Ancillary Supportive Service Payments for Laptops and Internet Services
2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Los Angeles County, Calif., CA
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Human Services (Best in Category)
Year: 2023
In response to the spread of COVID-19, the Los Angeles (LA) County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) enhanced its Ancillary Supportive Services Policy to help Welfare-to-Work (WtW), Refugee Employment Program (REP) and Cal-Learn Program participants meet their specific needs. In April 2020, DPSS incorporated payments for laptops, modems, and internet allowances to provide participants the necessary tools to continue pursuing employment, education, and treatment for mental health and substance use disorder virtually, while simultaneously addressing the digital divide existing for many families in LA County. By providing participants with the essential tools, the Department is taking an active role in ensuring successful participant outcomes.