Lessons from the Field: Transitional Jobs Programs: Stepping Stones to Unsubsidized Employment.

Examines six transitional jobs programs to provide insights into the model and its potential for serving hard-to-employ TANF recipients. Notes that these programs, which expand on the "work first" approach by providing a wage, a more flexible environment, and individualized services, can help participants bridge the gap between the worlds of welfare and work. More than 80 percent of those who completed a transitional program were placed in a permanent, unsubsidized job. Some programs follow up with job retention efforts for as long as two years after participation ends.