Career Readiness Training Program (CRTP)
Program overview
Career-building program for domestic violence survivors: The Career Readiness Training Program (CRTP), offered by Sanctuary for Families (SFF), is a workforce training program for survivors of domestic violence. The program aims to increase participants' career readiness, improve their job skills, and ensure they are financially stable over the long-run. In addition to the program, clients may receive clinical, legal, and financial support from SFF.
Offering services embedded in the broader support services ecosystem: As implemented by SFF, CRTP frequently get referrals from the Family Justice Center, a “one-stop” location for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence to access services. The CRTP is open to all domestic violence survivors regardless of race, gender identity, age, and educational attainment.
Instruction on fundamentals of career development: The CRTP consists of two primary components: a Career Readiness Workshop and an Office Operations Workshop. The Career Readiness Workshop spans over three weeks and teaches participants how to establish and advance their careers. This workshop helps participants prepare for the job search, with lessons on writing a resume, navigating the job market, and other practical skills.
Job specific training for the office: The Office Operations Workshop is a more intensive curriculum, spanning 13 weeks. This workshop provides 200 hours of advanced office technology training, business communication instruction, literacy and math skills, and training for the job search.
Access to holistic supports during and after participation: Clients gain access to clinical, legal, and financial support through SFF. Common support services accessed by participants include legal consultations, mental health evaluations and assistance, cash assistance, and other types of tangible supports (e.g., public transit passes). Following the completion of the CRTP, participants maintained access to these services. Continued support ensures participants may progress in their career development journey long after the program concludes, improving overall outcomes.
Optional internships and other development opportunities: Participants may also access occupational training and internship opportunities, but they are not mandatory.
- Strategies
-
Job placement services and supports
A single study with a less rigorous design suggests that CRTP is a promising strategy for reducing barriers to short- and long-term economic security among domestic violence survivors.
A 2023 program evaluation found that participants in the CRTP demonstrated progress toward several short-term outcomes – specifically improved use of office technology; increased literacy and skills in reading, math, and language skills; greater professional development skills and career readiness; increased confidence in career outlook; and improved self-esteem.
Twelve months after starting the program, the proportion of clients employed full or part time increased by 24 percentage points, with improvements in self-esteem and financial self-sufficiency as well.
Recognize the unique needs of survivors and tailor programming to meet those needs: Survivors face many barriers to employment, including gaps in education and work histories, housing instability, limited affordable child care, and safety concerns. Establishing an effective referral system to outside support services may help address participant needs that go beyond what is offered by the administering organization.
Use virtual programming when appropriate: The CRTP moved to online instruction in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there were some limitations to the virtual program, program staff recognized that online classes may provide more access to survivors in localities with limited access to transportation and child care.
Develop opportunities for on-site child care or provide child care stipends: Program staff recognized limited access to affordable child care as a significant barrier to participation in the program. When replicating the program, providing child care support may allow the program to reach more survivors and/or achieve higher attendance rates.
Minimize the emphasis placed on attendance: Clients surveyed noted that the strict attendance policy of the program discouraged participation. Clients faced many external factors that challenged their attendance and punctuality, and consistent reminders of the attendance policy disheartened participants. It is important for program staff to balance recognizing the importance of attendance and acknowledging the factors that may inhibit clients’ attendance.
Include education on workers’ rights: Survivors often have to attend court sessions or other engagements which can conflict with employment. Program leaders should ensure participants learn and understand their rights in the workplace so they may address situations in which they are being treated poorly or unfairly.