(1) The WorkFirst program shall develop outcome measures for use in evaluating the WorkFirst program authorized in chapter 58, Laws of 1997, which may include but are not limited to:

(a) Caseload reduction, including data for participants who exit: (i) Due to increased income; (ii) to employment; (iii) at the participant’s request; or (iv) for other reasons;

(b) Recidivism to caseload after two years;

(c) Employment;

(d) Job retention;

(e) Earnings;

(f) Wage progression;

(g) Reduction in average grant through increased recipient earnings;

(h) Placement of recipients into private sector, unsubsidized jobs; and

(i) Outcomes for sanctioned and time-limited families.

(2) The department shall require that contractors for WorkFirst services collect outcome measure information and report outcome measures to the department regularly. The department shall develop benchmarks that compare outcome measure information from all contractors to provide a clear indication of the most effective contractors. Benchmark information shall be published quarterly and provided to the legislature, the governor, the legislative-executive WorkFirst poverty reduction oversight task force, and all contractors for WorkFirst services.

Prospective application—2019 c 343: See note following RCW 74.08.025.

Effective dates—1997 c 58: See note following RCW 74.20A.320.