SLATE Awarded ARCHS Funding to Support Judicial Circuit Court Workforce Program

ST. LOUIS, MO - The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) has been awarded $95,517.83 by Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS) to implement a Judicial Circuit Court Program (JCCP) aimed at reducing reliance on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and increasing child support compliance through workforce development.

The 12-month program will operate through June 30, 2026, and will serve individuals referred from the 22nd Judicial Circuit Child Support Court. Participants will receive support to secure stable employment. Stable employment will help participants make consistent child support payments.

SLATE will collaborate with the Missouri Department of Social Services - Family Support Division, St. Louis City Family Court, St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office Child Support Unit, and other vocational rehabilitation partners.

"This award allows SLATE to address two critical needs at once-economic stability for families and accountability within the child support system," said Connie Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE. "By connecting individuals to employment and supportive services, we are helping parents build sustainable careers while also strengthening outcomes for children and families across the City of St. Louis."

The program is designed to serve individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or facing significant barriers to employment, including prior felony convictions, lack of a high school diploma or GED, homelessness, or medical conditions.

Program objectives include:

• Encouraging 70 participants with employment barriers to enroll in the program.
  
• Enrolling 49 job-ready candidates referred through the Judicial Circuit Child Support Court.
  
• Placing 34 participants into part-time or full-time unsubsidized employment at an average wage of $14 per hour.
  
• Achieving child support compliance among 34 employed participants.
  
• Ensuring 80% participant satisfaction with the overall program experience.

Through this initiative, SLATE continues its mission to connect St. Louis residents to employment opportunities that support long-term stability, family well-being, and community economic health