In 2004, the Lewin Group, in partnership with the Capital Research Corporation, the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Policy Studies, and the University of Colorado's Health Sciences Center, began a five-year, in-depth study of the Colorado Works program. This study was designed to supply administrators with new details regarding approaches that counties might employ to enhance the performance of their local TANF programs. The Lewin Group, in collaboration with Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) officials and an Advisory Committee comprised of local advocates and county representatives, developed the study, which explores:

• Characteristics of Colorado Works participants receiving cash assistance and other services, and how the characteristics vary by region and county;
• Types of work activities in which clients participate;
• Types of supportive and transitional services clients receive;
• Employment, earnings, and welfare outcomes of current and former Colorado Works participants;
• Colorado Works participants' interaction with other key programs (e.g., Child Welfare, Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement) and how such interaction relates to outcomes; and
• Promising strategies and approaches in counties' Colorado Works programs.

For further details about the study, and to read the Lewin Group's reports, pleas see the links listed below.

Annual Reports

Research Briefs

Topical Reports - 2006

Topical Reports - 2007