Describes the administrative framework and key components of a statewide transitional employment program for hard-to-employ TANF recipients nearing the time limit. Notes that program success requires program administrators and staff to think “outside the box†and concludes that clients...

Based on a one-year follow-up survey with a representative sample of over 400 single-mother TANF clients, the report examines how various obstacles to employment constrained clients’ employability and influenced their experiences with welfare-to-work activities and supportive services. Also...

Notes that the VIEW program increased participants' earnings and employment and encouraged work. The findings, which are similar to those from other studies of programs that combine time limits with generous earnings disregards, also suggest that the program did not decrease TANF participation...

Estimates state food stamp participation rates as of September 1999, as well as how these rates changed since September 1994. Reports that rates varied widely from state to state in 1999, with some rates under 50% and some over 70%, while the national rate was 57%. Also finds that participation...

Privatizing welfare services poses significant challenges to state and local agencies. This study of TANF case management privatization in six states looks at issues such as deciding the size and scope of contracts, selecting contractors, promoting competition, ensuring effective and fair...

Examines whether differences between respondents and nonrespondents in a survey of Iowa families that left TANF resulted in findings that overstated the economic well-being of these families. Finds that nonrespondents were less likely to have health insurance and more likely to have...

This four-page brief examines differences between rural and urban clients' welfare receipt, employment experiences and obstacles, program participation and service use, and quality of life. It also points out considerations for states interested in enhancing their programs in rural and urban areas.

Assesses the effects of employment on family well-being for current and former TANF recipients in Iowa who gained employment. Finds that when parents were employed, they reported aggregate improvements in family income, standard of living, parental self-esteem, parenting skills, and how their...