The Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore (JFI) provides data linkage and other technical services as listed below to the Maryland Department of Human Services.

TCA Performance Measures

The JFI prepares and submits to DHS four quarterly data reports per year that will are used by DHS for various performance measures for the local departments of social services. Family Investment Administration, Bureau of Policy Research and Training (DHS).

Evaluation of Selected TCA Program Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes

JFI continues to expand their evaluation, of the TCA substance abuse treatment and services outcomes as planned, based upon guidance provided in the ongoing discussions with DHS.

Evaluation of Statewide ABAWD Waiver

The US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved Maryland’s statewide waiver to suspend time limits for Food Stamp Program (FSP) recipients who were able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). This waiver will expire on December 31, 2015. After that date, ABAWDs between the ages of 18-47 will only receive FSP benefits for three months (consecutive or otherwise) in a 36 month period unless they meet specific work requirements. JFI performs an evaluation of the work participation, employment placement, earnings and employment retention outcomes among the target FSP population. This evaluation is based on evaluation design and start-up phase completed by the JFI during the 2015-2016 fiscal year. It will be delivered by the end of each fiscal year.

Analysis of Employment Opportunities for TCA and SNAP Recipients

JFI completes a series of annual reports that compare subgroup counts within the TCA caseload to the best available information about recent employer hiring transactions of ‘similar’ groups—women by age group in defined sub-state locations and industries.

We anticipate new and/or additional priorities for what JFI studies will be most valuable for DHS and county management teams.

SNAP recipient employment and earnings dynamics

JFI delivers four quarterly reports annually. Each report includes updated employment status trend information for SNAP recipient subpopulations to be defined by DHS. The subpopulation definitions are deferred, expecting federal and state actions between now and July 2016

Ad Hoc Reporting

JFI proposes to respond to requests from DHS for ad hoc reports to meet the needs of the Department for future, unspecified problems, questions, reports and research that may be encountered as the State moves forward with its new policies and initiatives.

Legislative Reporting

JFI maintains the capability and expertise to accurately and quickly respond to requests for ad hoc reports, for example to update the reports on employment of TCA customers by local governments, and to report on employment of TCA customers in DHS’s sample. Requests are often generated from the Governor’s Office, the Maryland General Assembly, Legislative Researchers, and Inquiries, as well as the Department’s Secretary. Often these ad hoc reports must address caseload(s) and fiscal impacts that could result from pending legislation or executive decrees. For ad hoc requests generated by the Maryland House and Senate proposed bills, the turnaround response time is very short (less than 24 hours). The criticality of responsiveness of the ad hoc reports, together with their thoroughness and accuracy cannot be overstated.

JFI principal researchers are prepared to testify before the Maryland General Assembly and other organizations as needed.

Consultant Services

JFI has assigned a consultant to (1) work with FIA Local Operations leadership and staff to define, develop and maintain Technical Assistance Reviews and statistical measures of performance for Local Department of Social Services (LDSS).