BENEFIT-COST-ANALYSIS OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT IN ILLINOIS

This study analyzed the benefits and costs of supported employment in Illinois during a four-year period (i.e., 1987 through 1990). Benefits and costs were identified and valued from three perspectives: society 's, taxpayer's, and supported employees'. During this four-year period , society received a return of $.91 for every $1.00 invested; taxpayer s received a return of $.77; and supported employees increased their n et earnings by 42%. During the fourth year of the project, the societa l return was $1.09; the return to taxpayers was $0.89; and net earning s for supported employees increased by 57%. Changes in the costs and b enefits of supported employment participants during this time period i ndicate that the continuation of this type of analysis is critical to an understanding of the progress of supported employment and to identi fying ways of improving this emerging service delivery system.