Mathematica’s WFNJ client study included three rounds of in-depth, face-to-face interviews with a subset of families who had received welfare under the new reforms. This largely narrative report describes the wide range of experiences of current and former recipients and portrays their...

Notes that the mix of families remaining on cash assistance has changed, with child-only cases—in which only children are receiving assistance—becoming a growing portion of New Jersey’s welfare caseload. These cases grew from 17 percent of the state’s caseload in 1995 to 33...

Based on four rounds of annual follow-up surveys with an early group of NJ TANF recipients, this brief can help inform recent policy debates related to welfare and marriage. The study found that marriage is relatively rare for TANF recipients, with only about 1 in 10 married and living with a...

A Research Report from the School Dropout Demonstration Assistance Program Evaluation.

Notes substantial economic progress for most clients over time, although the pace of progress has slowed considerably. The majority of welfare recipients find jobs, although many find it difficult to maintain sustained employment. Some groups continue to struggle financially, particularly those...

This study analyzes factors associated with transitions into and out of disconnectedness, which is defined as being disconnected from the labor market, welfare, and other substantial financial supports.

Maternity group homes offer an innovative and intensive approach to addressing the needs of an extremely vulnerable population—teenage mothers and their children who have no other suitable place to live. This report documents the implementation of such programs in seven states. Issues...

Shows that WFNJ clients continue to leave welfare for work and improve their outcomes. Although many are in low-paying jobs, their earnings are increasing, and more are getting fringe benefits. However, one in three remains on TANF, and they face multiple barriers to employment--for example,...

Based on four rounds of annual follow-up surveys with an early group of NJ TANF recipients, this issue brief focuses on those who have left the welfare rolls and are not working. About one in four recipients in this group were in this status throughout much of the study's follow-up period. The...