Examines Nebraska's reorganized service delivery system, which provides assessment-focused case management to help clients become self-sufficient, finding that case managers need additional tools and support to provide services in a timely and consistent way, connect clients with individualized...

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.

Examines challenges facing low-income parents, employers, and service providers in three high-poverty areas: Camden City, Cumberland County, and Newark. Finds that many low-income parents do not make use of tax credits, child care subsidies, and job placement services for which they are...

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...

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...

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...

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...