Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health and Employment: A Qualitative Study of Men Seeking Job Services

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health and Employment:

A Qualitative Study of Men Seeking Job Services

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the profile of men seeking employment in an urban center at a federally funded job service. This qualitative investigation extends and deepens results of quantitative analyses testing predictors of homelessness and job-related problems among a convenience sample of men (N=199) accessing job services across multiple Milwaukee-area sites. This particular study gathered data from the service recipients and providers.

A focus group and interview research protocol guided the study questions; Some of the questions for the participants participating in focus groups and face to face interviews included:

1)    What are the health issues facing men in the city of Milwaukee

2)    Describe the type of violence you are aware of in your community.

3)    What services do men need to take care of themselves and their children.

4)    What is your current involvement with the child support system?

Some of the questions for the service providers individual interviews included:

1) Are you aware of all the available services for men in the city of Milwaukee?

2  What are the major issues facing men in your program?

3) What, if any gaps exist for men in Milwaukee?

Methods:  Using qualitative research methods, we collected data from a convenience sample of men (N=8) for interviews and focus groups (N =14) accessing drop-in job services across four federally-funded, workforce development sites in Milwaukee. Study participants were recruited within a 5 month period. In addition we were able to triangulate the data obtained from the men with data collected from service providers (N=5) from the four sites. A service provider from each of the four sites participated in a face to face interview.

Results: The early results of the qualitative study complement the findings of the quantitative portion of the overall study. The participants and service providers reported a lack of adequate services to assist men in their ability to live as an adult and provide for their children in the areas of health services, housing, and long-term employment. In addition, there was a significant discussion from both groups on the perceived level of depression exhibited by the men and their exposure to consistent violence in their communities and families. Finally, the men discussed their issues with hyper-surveillance in the areas of criminal justice and child support enforcement on their lives.

Implications: It appears that violence and depression are common in the lives of these low-income, urban-dwelling men of color seeking job services. In addition, lack of accessible professional services and perceived over-surveillance appear to exacerbate problems related to stress, mental health, and basic needs. The profile of low-income men seeking job services in urban centers is complex and includes trauma exposure, extreme stress, depression, lack of resources, and fear of legal authority. Job services therefore also need to be comprehensive and tailored.