A 5-year study of the Saturation Work Initiative Model (2290 participants, 2260 controls), which requires welfare recipients to work, showed that it increased employment and reduced welfare payments. However, income from increased employment did not offset the loss in welfare income. (SK)

Discusses how to define a welfare spell (period on welfare) and how well surveys measure welfare spells. A look at survey and administrative data from two studies shows that a substantial amount of administrative churning occurs in administrative data. A single definition of a welfare spell does not appear applicable to all respondents. (SLD)

Decries the contradictions of a corporate state that benefits from poverty and promotes "family values" while devaluing the life-affirming child-rearing work done in private. Argues that life-affirming perspectives should guide adult educators to unlearn "bottom-line" thinking in their educational efforts. (SK)

Data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) suggest that families who left the rolls due to welfare reform were more prone to economic difficulties than other leavers. However, income improved for most post-reform leavers. (Contains 49 references.) (Author)

Tests of a sample of 106 welfare recipients in Arkansas found that 53 percent were literate, contrary to the federal assumption that most recipients are illiterate. Concludes that specific job training and specific occupational literacy, rather than general literacy, programs would best meet the needs of the unemployed. (DM)

Considers the impact of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act and Virginia's initiative for welfare reform on poor families with disabilities. Suggests accommodations are necessary for fair implementation of the reforms. (SK)

Work-related attitudes of 164 welfare recipients, 159 recipients in job training, and 158 employed former recipients were compared. Those employed had the highest scores in money ethic, work ethic, and self-esteem; higher education and income; and longer job tenure. Recipients not in training had the least positive money and work ethic. (Contains…

Identity orientations and employment histories of 203 women receiving public assistance were examined. Those with informational or passive styles received over 1 year of welfare. Those with diffuse/avoidant styles received welfare for more than 3 years and changed jobs more frequently in the last 12 months. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

Examined whether immigrant welfare recipients from particular racial and ethnic subgroups were more likely to depend on Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) than native-born recipients from other racial and ethnic subgroups. Results did not indicate that foreign-born racial and ethnic subgroups were more likely to depend on AFDC than…

This study examined the effect of involvement in mutual support groups on long-term recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other vulnerable individuals. From qualitative interviews with nine group members, the study identified key themes, benefits, and barriers related to involvement in the groups. Content analysis of the…

Looks at welfare to work programs and discusses some of the problems associated with them and for the welfare recipients who are in them. Addresses the impact of the new federal welfare reform legislation. (JOW)

Evaluates the association between welfare policies implemented by states in the early to mid-1990s and the rate at which female household heads with children exit AFDC for work or for non-work reasons. Reports that waiver policies requiring work for mothers of very young children are associated with more rapid exits through employment. (Contains…

Describes successful welfare-to-work transition programs that provide training for welfare recipients for real jobs. Includes experiences of several companies, guidelines for hiring former welfare recipients, and websites with information about welfare reform. (JOW)

Volunteer administrators (n=32) participating in Australia's Voluntary Work Initiative, designed to assist welfare recipients who were required to perform volunteer work, were interviewed. Although volunteering helped overcome isolation and develop job skills, low levels of commitment and short stays (especially among younger participants) and…

Six adult basic education programs were examined to understand why they reported higher than average attendance for welfare recipients. Learners saw class not as mandatory, but as a way to achieve goals. Programs focused on engagement, a precursor to learning. Engagement factors included beliefs about teaching/learning, relationships, learning…