Appendix I – Profile of OW Client

Profile of the Ontario Works Client

The most significant finding in the What Works study was the ‘profile’ of the Ontario Works client that emerged from interviews with Ontario Works, network and college personnel. Many individuals remarked that the mandatory aspect of Ontario Works had resulted in a greater number of "hard-to-serve" clients. Some were younger, many were single mothers, but most were described as having multiple barriers to learning.

Comments from networks:

• Ontario Works clients are hard to serve. They have multiple barriers.
• Clients (with multiple barriers) are getting to be harder to serve.
• There are a lot of hard-to-serve clients with multiple barriers and special needs.
• They have multiple barriers. They have problems with addictions and lack social skills. There are single moms who have been out of work for nearly twenty years.
• Forcing clients to go to school is an issue.
• Ontario Works attendance is a problem. The students don't have the social skills to call. They need support.
• The majority of learners' problems lead to learning difficulties.
• A lot of work is done up front and then students don't show up or they drop out. There also seems to be a high degree of women dropping out and it is assumed they don't get enough support at home.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a big issue that has not been studied – people are not trained to diagnose or support.
• There is a huge barrier for clients who lack life skills.
• The changes brought about by Ontario Works means that many students don't want to be in school.
• There is resistance from students.

The main feedback from programs with Ontario Works clients centred on the lack of client commitment. Because of low employment, the Ontario Works clients that were left were hard to serve and needed life and employability skills.