We write from our own experience as researchers on the integration of immigrants and their children, describing several ethical and research considerations that we addressed. In one study we examined the use of public benefits among immigrant families. This study posed issues regarding the selection of which "benefits" should be…

To examine the experiences of black children and poverty, researchers conducted a computer analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey, the source of official government poverty statistics. The data are through 2001. Results indicated that nearly 1 million black children were living in extreme poverty, with after-tax…

Many issues remain unresolved when considering whether the welfare system perpetuates the poverty of its recipients. The debate often focuses on Blacks. No one considers factors such as the self-defined needs of the target population. Cuts in payment programs may be of some value but are not a panacea. (VM)

Assesses the effects of the Talmadge amendment to the Work Incentive Program" bill-both on President Nixon's welfare proposals, and on welfare recipients themselves. (RJ)

This paper used data from two rounds of the National Survey of America's Families to examine how families on welfare in 1999 differed from those receiving benefits in 1997 (just prior to when most states implemented their new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF] policies). Results showed some significant changes in the welfare population…

A longitudinal study of urban (Baltimore) black teenage mothers and their welfare experiences following the birth of their first child was started in the 1960s by Frank Furstenberg and has continued for more than 20 years. Information was gathered from 3 generations of the families of 300 women. Most of the school-aged mothers were not married at…

Marin City is an isolated African American community located in mostly affluent Marin County, California. Thirty-six percent of households in Marin City fall below the poverty line. This report provides three case studies from the Marin City Families First (MCFF) program, an intervention that aims to develop a model comprehensive child and family…

The article presented an overview of Hispanic participation rates in specifically defined "welfare" programs. It was noted that data on national participation rates of Hispanics in these welfare programs is somewhat scattered and at times incomplete. (NQ)

Changes in the Federal food stamp program have resulted in a reduction in the number of eligible people receiving needed food assistance and a weakening of the "safety net" that protects the needy from poverty, unemployment, and high medical costs. Blacks and Hispanic Americans appear to have been disproportionately affected by these…

The centerpiece of the 1988 Family Support Act (FSA) is the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Act, which directs states to provide a broad range of educational, training, and employment services. FSA offers states an opportunity to design humane and effective programs to assist welfare recipients to move out of poverty. FSA also has…

Analyzes the utilization of public assistance in the United States by immigrants and natives. Findings include the following: (1) despite higher poverty rates, immigrants had only minimally higher recipiency rates than natives; (2) immigrants were generally less likely than natives to receive assistance. (FMW)

This report examines data on differences between 1997 and 1999 recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Data came from two rounds of the National Survey of America's Families. The number of single parents on welfare who reported living with a partner doubled between 1997 and 1999. There was no change in the proportion of…

This study examined young mothers' experiences with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), noting whether changes in the TANF application process for teens were needed and whether the Illinois Department of Human Services was effectively engaging teens in the TANF system. Working with community-based organizations around Chicago,…

In his well-known article "The Coming White Underclass" and other writings Charles Murray has suggested that welfare is the primary cause of out-of-wedlock childbearing. He contends that welfare, including Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), food stamps, and subsidized housing, should be eliminated. While Murray's views have…

The welfare system was designed with good intentions but has been manipulated to the detriment of those who were intended to benefit. The many drawbacks of the welfare system and some suggested reforms are described. One definite starting point is education. (SLD)