Despite the claimed success of the 1996 Welfare Reform, little research using multivariate regression has examined changes in multiple public safety-net programs. Thus, we still do not know whether public safety-net programs for the poor have shrunk or increased nationwide, along with the sharp declines in cash assistance. Using state-level data…

To highlight the individual and systemic practices that perpetuate the overuse of and reliance on kinship care and instead emphasize family reunification as the permanency plan for African American children in the child welfare system, the authors first discuss how kinship care is affected by federal child welfare policy and provide a historical…

This article explores issues of persistent poverty and income inequality. The major focus is that of the alleviation of poverty. Is there a framework that delineates the roles for government, market forces and self-reliance that can effect a reduction in the level of poverty? The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act…

Substance use by welfare recipients is frequently mentioned as an important barrier to well-being and social performance. This article uses nationally representative cross-sectional data and Michigan-specific panel data to summarize trends in substance use among Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Temporary Assistance to Needy…

Examined the relationship between the length of time worked by mothers receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children and three categories of variables. Only economic factors appeared to significantly affect the mothers' decision whether to work. (Author)

This is a transcript of a hearing held to examine the extent and causes of hunger in the United States. Witnesses presenting testimony included a Boston pediatrician, two representatives from the Physician Task Force on Hunger in America, the Chairman of the House Select Committee on Hunger, and a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene…

Using 1960 Census data for New York City, regression equations are developed to test empirically: (1) the relationship between the proportion of female-headed households and ADC incidence and (2) the effect of ADC incidence on male and female labor force participation rates. (Editor)

Argues that the lack of a social welfare policy that takes into account the needs of families has deplorable effects and that Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program policies maintain dependency and weaken family support systems. An alternative proposal is offered that has as its aim the strengthening and ultimate self-sufficiency…

Previous research demonstrates that most female heads of families get neither adequate nor regular child support payments. This study provides a quantitative assessment of the nature of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) child support problem, and analyzes the effects of various government policies on success in collecting support…

Changes in parenting behavior have led to the troubling situation called the "feminization of poverty." Families headed by divorced women are doing better than is commonly supposed. Families headed by never-married women are doing worse. Public policy should reflect the differing needs of these two groups. (VM)

Investigated by this study were effects--at state, county, and family levels--of federal cuts and changes on day care services in New York State, focusing on areas outside New York City. At the state level, the study examined policies shaping delivery of day care services to the poor and state systems for tracking changes in funding and children…

A study of the welfare programs in two counties bordering different states along with comparative welfare expenditure in interior counties tests the theory that Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients migrate to counties which have a higher per capita welfare budget. Research shows that border counties with a $100 differential…

One of a series of family impact seminars, the meeting described in this document was held to discuss the child care provisions of the Family Support Act (FSA). This document provides highlights of the seminar and a background briefing report prepared before the meeting. The highlights section summarizes presentations by the seminar's four…

Welfare programs and the people who use them have a bad public image. Any attempts at welfare reform should include the dissemination of factual information to eliminate the misconceptions. This information should include the following facts: (1) only 60% of poverty stricken households receive welfare; (2) most government services and funds to…

Welfare work programs are a form of welfare fraud. They engender little change compared to the resources that go into them. The most promising policies for reducing welfare roles are the following: (1) support of children by absent parents; (2) tax credit systems; (3) improvements in public education; and (4) provision of health care. (VM)