Presents findings from the outcomes analysis component of the Welfare-to-Work evaluation describing characteristics and experiences of enrollees in 11 sites. Found that enrollees were more likely to receive employment preparation services than skill enhancement services; most were employed...

Notes that case management, the program's central feature, was valued by participants, but more concrete services, such as help with child care, transportation, or work-related issues, may be helpful.

In light of sharp declines in the Food Stamp Program caseload, examines the well-being of those who have left the program. Notes that about half of those who exited in 1997 were employed two years later, while more than half had incomes below the poverty line. Also notes food insecurity with...

A burgeoning literature suggests that marriage may have a wide range of benefits, including improvements in individuals' economic well-being and mental and physical health, as well as the well-being of their children. The authors have synthesized recent literature from rigorous research studies...

Welfare reform in Iowa succeeded in getting welfare recipients into training and then into jobs. However, the reforms did not always succeed in raising family income and may have reduced it for some families. Furthermore, researchers noted negative impacts on some measures of family and child...

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...

Details the results of an in-depth survey of low-income parents, finding that Wisconsin's reform from AFDC to W-2 was confusing to many and that many face multiple challenges in achieving self-sufficiency. Although only some of these challenges can be addressed by government programs such as...

Based on survey findings, this report examines the characteristics, circumstances, and job readiness of single-parent TANF cases, noting that most are not long-term welfare recipients, and the majority had some paid employment in the past two years. However, many had weak educational backgrounds...

Provides an early, in-depth look at newly employed welfare recipients in Allegheny County, PA, who are taking part in a voluntary employment retention program, finding that most are keeping their jobs but may need help with job advancement.

The use of private organizations to perform social service functions has increased greatly in the past few years, although little is known about the privatization of welfare services. This report reviews the literature to set the stage for a study looking at the experiences of six agencies that...