The implementation of more stringent sanctions as part of welfare reform has been accompanied by interest in how sanctions are used and their outcomes. This report analyzes how TANF sanctions have been implemented in Illinois, New Jersey, and South Carolina, based on six key tasks: informing...

The implementation of more stringent sanctions as part of welfare reform has been accompanied by interest in how sanctions are used and their outcomes. This report analyzes how TANF sanctions have been implemented in Illinois, New Jersey, and South Carolina, based on six key tasks: informing...

Examines six transitional jobs programs to provide insights into the model and its potential for serving hard-to-employ TANF recipients. Notes that these programs, which expand on the "work first" approach by providing a wage, a more flexible environment, and individualized services, can help...

Identifies strategies that state and local welfare offices are using to promote participation in food stamps, Medicaid, and SCHIP. Also discusses challenges they face in providing support to working families. The findings suggest that diverse strategies, focusing on program awareness,...

The long-term care industry’s need for workers and TANF recipients’ need for jobs could be mutually beneficial if, indeed, recipients’ characteristics, skills, and circumstances match the requirements, accessibility, and availability of these jobs. This paper analyzes characteristics of...

This paper examines how policy and structural changes states made in response to the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) may influence the level and composition of the TANF caseload. It is based on Mathematica’s 50-state survey of diversion programs, as well as field visits to state and local...

In spite of an unprecedented period of growth and prosperity, the U.S. poverty rate remains high relative to the levels of the early 1970s and relative to those in many industrialized countries today. Looking back over the four decades since the nation declared war on poverty, the authors ask...

Examines welfare reform in Virginia, which implemented reforms early and focused on building attachment to jobs and the economy, noting that many welfare workers believed work incentives were critical to program success and that, despite new strategies to help workers do their jobs differently,...

Examines welfare offices' use of "intermediaries"--private or public organizations that act as brokers between the welfare system and employers--noting that a broad range of organizations act as intermediaries, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public sector agencies, and...