March 22, 2000
(Human Resources and Employment)

•  In August 1998 Human Resources and Employment (HRE) partnered with the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland (SPAN) to deliver an income supplementation pilot program.

• Approximately 150 single parents have successfully completed the Single Parent Employment Support Program. Since August 1998, 79 participants (64 per cent) are employed in either full or part-time employment.

• HRE has allocated $500,000 to the Single Parent Employment Support Program (SESP) for 2000-2001.

• The pilot provides financial and other support required to assist single parents who receive income support to accept and maintain employment. SPAN delivers the employment supports component. During a six-week training period, participants receive instruction on resume writing, communications, time and financial management and other job search skills. During the program time, and four weeks after completion, participants pursue an active job search with the assistance of the program�s placement officers. HRE delivers the income support plus an Earned Income Supplement which ranges from $1 to $2.50 depending on the wage earned and hours worked.

• Many families, and particularly single parent families, on income support face barriers to employment. The SESP pilot is an active measure designed to help single parent families in their transition to employment. The income supplementation component, the child care allowance and the extended drug card coverage ensure that participants will be "better off" as a result of working.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2000 03 22