The Ministry of Social Development introduced two trials, the Sole Parent Employment Service, and Mental Health Employment Service, ultimately to assess whether the services increased the number of people obtaining sustainable work. A randomised control trial was used to evaluate these trials, comparing an intervention group (services tailored to clients’ individual needs) and a control group (continued to receive MSD delivered case management services).
Purpose
This report outlines the findings from evaluations of two trials of externally contracted case management services conducted by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The two trials were designed to improve employment and social outcomes for sole parent clients and clients with depression or a stress-related mental health condition. The evaluation of the trials aimed to assess whether clients who participated in externally contracted case management services, spent a greater proportion of time off-benefit compared with clients who participated in MSD-delivered case management services.