The CAPI survey sample was drawn from a population of over 110,000 welfare recipients who had stopped receiving benefits for at least one month between October 1997 and March 1999.  While the analysis of administrative data was statewide, the survey and qualitative interview sites were limited to 10 counties that ODJFS determined represented both urban and rural areas. These counties were Allen, Ashtabula, Clark, Meigs, Noble, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington counties and the cities of Euclid, Cleveland, Columbus, and Parma.

The sample was stratified to represent each site, totaling 3271 closed cases (3246 unique individuals).  The 3246 member sample was divided into two groups: the OWF (Ohio Works First) sample consisted of persons who received cash assistance, primarily women with children; the ABAWD (Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents) sample consisted of adults without dependents who received food stamps as their primary benefit. 

Survey interviews took place between November 1999 and July 2000 and the qualitative interviews took place in August and September 2000. 

View Ohio Map (counties included in the study are highlighted)

View response rates by county

View Final Report

Closed Cases Study Partners

The Center for Human Resource Research (CHRR) at the Ohio State University was the prime contractor in charge of designing and implementing the three-part study, but could not have completed the project without the help of many partners. 

The Center on Urban Poverty and Social Change at Case Western University provided expertise and analysis of the administrative data. 

Cleveland State University performed face-to-face interviewing in Cuyahoga County as well as some cases in Ashtabula County. 

CHRR did the remaining face-to-face interviewing and the Center for Survey Research at Ohio State University handled the telephone interviewing.  The excellent work of the field interviewers allows us to present our survey results with confidence.

Faculty and students at the School of Public Policy and Management at The Ohio State University and Case Western completed the qualitative portion of the study. 

Invaluable input on the project was also received from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the county departments of human services in Allen, Ashtabula, Clark, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Meigs, Noble, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington counties.