This paper examines the often-overlooked precondition for successful implementation of active labor market policy, namely equal access to labor market programs. Focusing on a cohort of social assistance recipients, we compare program participation between individuals who were eligible for vocational training and had reported psychological distress, to possible participants with other health or social challenges. The study covers a period of six years. The results indicate that social services prioritize training for those without mental health problems. This is true independently of observed differences between the two groups in terms of demographic and human capital characteristics, work motivation and self-efficacy. Hence, the study concludes that there seems to be a mental health access bias in program participation among disadvantaged groups. Policy makers and future research should address possible organizational barriers to equal program access.

中文翻译：

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心理健康和参加积极的劳动力市场计划的机会

本文研究了成功实施积极的劳动力市场政策经常被忽视的前提，即平等获得劳动力市场计划的机会。重点关注一群社会援助受助者，我们比较了有资格接受职业培训并报告了心理困扰的个人与可能面临其他健康或社会挑战的参与者之间的计划参与情况。这项研究为期六年。结果表明，社会服务优先考虑那些没有心理健康问题的人。无论在人口统计学和人力资本特征，工作动机和自我效能方面，观察到的两组之间的差异，都是如此。因此，研究得出的结论是，弱势群体在项目参与中似乎存在精神卫生方面的偏见。