CalWORKs Cal-OAR System Improvement Plan

The review process known as CalWORKs Outcomes and Accountability Review or Cal-OAR, includes six components or “steps,” that build on each other. One important step is the development of an improvement plan. For the latest review cycle (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2026), the County’s CalWORKs System Improvement Plan or (Cal-SIP) includes three areas of focus:

1. Increase the attendance rate in Employment Services program activities

2. Lower the rate of program re-entries in CalWORKs

3. Lower the rate of program re-entries for Haitian/Creole language cases

The Cal-SIP will be presented to the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors to review for approval.

Background

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program helps families in need. The program provides cash assistance and an Employment Services program that helps people find jobs and receive job training. It also provides money for items needed for work or school like tools, books, clothing, childcare, and transportation. This allows for families to work towards becoming self-sufficient and financially independent.

The County is conducting a CalWORKs Outcomes and Accountability Review or Cal-OAR to make sure the CalWORKs and Employment Services programs are helping people in those programs.

Cal-OAR has three goals:

1. Review the results of the programs

2. Promote quality improvements

3. Encourage more people to participate in the program

Cal-OAR is organized into 5-year cycles. The County’s first cycle started on July 1, 2021, and ends on June 30, 2026.

During those 5 years, the County must complete the 6 components or "steps" of the Cal-OAR.

Below are the steps:

1. Gather Performance Measures Data

2. Complete a CalWORKs County Self-Assessment (Cal-CSA)

3. Plan for the System Improvement Plan

4. Create the CalWORKs System Improvement Plan (Cal-SIP)

5. Implement and evaluate Cal-SIP strategies

6. Provide progress reports to the State of California

The County is currently working on component #4 - CalWORKs System Improvement Plan or (Cal-SIP).

You can participate by:

• Staying informed by reviewing the information on this site
• Sharing information within your communities
• Asking a question below