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Q: Why would employers hire welfare recipients when there is already unemployment and many companies are downsizing?

A: Employers in service-sector jobs complain about high turnover, lack of reliability, and lack of education and skills in the available workforce. Welfare-to-work programs are being designed to address these issues. Pilot projects have shown that employees who go through special programs and receive appropriate support services may be more effective, reliable workers than those hired from the general population.

Q: What happens to people who flunk workplace drug tests or don't get jobs for other reasons, such as inappropriate behavior?

A: A feedback loop that ensures confidentiality needs to be developed between employers and the welfare-to-work support system—particularly substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence programs—and waiting lists need to be reevaluated.

Q: Can substance abuse and mental health block grant money for dually diagnosed clients be used to fund EAP services? Can EAP services be provided on an outpatient basis, or under case management within treatment?

A: The potential for conflict of interest is inherent when treatment services try to fill an EAP role. An EAP focuses on job performance and works closely with the employee and the employer to resolve issues and barriers. This means that this funding option must be explored with caution.

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