Comparison of Self-sufficiency Assessments in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom

Abstract

This article introduces the self-sufficiency assessments implemented in the US, Australia, and the UK and compares them in terms of what each consists of—aspects assessed, methods used, and processes involved. These assessments vary in the policy context in which they are conducted. When it comes to the capacity assessment of self-sufficiency project participants transitioning to work, however, the common focus is on competencies that should matter in work. Specifically, these assessments are conducted on factors that are likely to affect one’s work activities, such as one’s psychiatric and cognitive aspects, cognitive learning abilities (arithmetic ability, writing skills, ability to memorize, etc.), and job skills (computer skills, etc.). The various versions of self-sufficiency assessment indicators used in the three countries suggest that Korea’s self-sufficiency assessment needs to be designed in detail and with precision.