Mathematica partners with the California Department of Social Services to strengthen the CalWORKs program through research-informed technical assistance, continuous quality improvement, participants engagement, and human-centered design. Since 2021, Mathematica has worked alongside state and county leaders to improve program operations and advance California's vision for a more participant-centered CalWORKs system. Our work spans a wide range of initiatives, including CalWORKs Outcomes and Accountability Review (Cal-OAR) implementation, program redesign efforts, policy development, staff training, strategic planning, and facilitation of statewide workgroups and advisory committees.

Key project outcomes include:

• Supporting California's transition to a more outcomes-focused accountability and continuous improvement framework through Cal-OAR implementation support and technical assistance.
• Improving the accessibility, usability, and participant-centered design of CalWORKs applications, notices, and other program materials.
• Facilitating statewide collaboration among county agencies, advocates, service providers, and state leadership to inform policy and program improvements.
• Developing tools, resources, and communities of practice that help counties implement effective strategies and share promising practices.
• Supporting strategic planning and organizational development efforts that strengthen the California Department of Social Services' capacity to sustain long-term program improvement.