Note on the 2002 domestic purposes benefit and widows benefit reforms.

AuthorJones, Liz

Baker and Tippin's research (2004) was undertaken when the 1999 Work Test policy was in place, under which Domestic Purposes Benefit (DPB) and Widows Benefit (WB) recipients were expected to participate in employment or employment-focused activities (e.g., training), part time or full time depending on the age of their youngest child.

Baker and Tippin's research raises important issues, particularly on the impact of health on single parents' ability to find and remain in paid employment. Their findings are similar to those from the joint Ministry of Social Development and Department of Labour (2002) evaluation of the Work Test policy, which found that on the whole DPB/WB clients were motivated to work, and were more likely to do so if there was:

* a greater understanding of their individual circumstances

* earlier identification of barriers and constraints (e.g., access to childcare)

* provision of, or referral to, appropriate support services (e.g., health, housing, education and training).

As a result, the 2002 DPB and WB reforms were introduced with the aim to:

* assist sole parents into sustainable employment as their individual circumstances and parenting responsibilities allow

* promote social development and employment outcomes for clients and their children.

The 2002 reforms included the removal of the Work Test, lowering of caseloads and case managers taking a more holistic and comprehensive approach to client assessment and support.

Enhanced case management broadens the previous case management focus on income support, budgeting, accommodation, employment, education and training to include physical and mental health, child health, social participation and parenting. Clients participate in a Personal Development Employment and Planning process, which identifies client-driven goals and action steps to achieve these.

Since the planning process and enhanced case management were introduced, case managers have begun to deliver more holistic support to DPB and WB clients, reflected in the statistically significant increase in clients reporting they discussed child health and social participation issues with their case manager. DPB and WB clients have also reported higher levels of satisfaction with the case management received since enhanced case management began.

A key challenge with enhanced case management...

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