In this text of hearings held before a congressional committee on the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program are statements from a number of specialists regarding the administration of public assistance, and relevant information on low income families. Specific data and the more general theory of social welfare and reform are discussed. In many of the papers and in the evidence presented by participants, statistics on income related issues, such as employment, are included. Work undertaken during previous and the current presidential administrations is described as are features of public assistance programs in various states. Food stamp, human resource, and various work incentive programs are reviewed. An overriding concern for cost efficiency in all federal welfare programs is evident in these hearings. Some suggestions for reform are outlined. (GC)