Welfare Reform in Cleveland: Implementation, Effects, and Experiences of Poor Families and Neighborhoods

A study assessed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) implementation and effects in Cuyahoga County between 1992-2000. It used field research, surveys and interviews of current and former welfare recipients, state and county welfare and employment records, and indicators of social and econ...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Brock, Thomas, Coulton, Claudia, London, Andrew, Polit, Denise, Richburg-Hayes, Lashawn, Scott, Ellen, Verma, Nandita
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation 01.09.2002
Subjects
Adult Education
County Programs
Economic Factors
Economically Disadvantaged
Employed Parents
Employment Patterns
Employment Services
Federal Legislation
Job Training
Longitudinal Studies
Mothers
Ohio (Cuyahoga County)
Poverty
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Time Limited Welfare
Trend Analysis
Welfare Recipients
Welfare Reform
Welfare Services
Ohio
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Summary:A study assessed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) implementation and effects in Cuyahoga County between 1992-2000. It used field research, surveys and interviews of current and former welfare recipients, state and county welfare and employment records, and indicators of social and economic trends. Findings indicated Cuyahoga County remade its welfare system in response to TANF. It instituted new policies and services to divert families from welfare, promote employment, and enforce time limits. Welfare receipt declined in the county, and employment among welfare recipients increased. The economy and other factors appeared to have driven these trends. However, TANF encouraged long-term welfare recipients to leave the rolls faster and discouraged food stamp recipients from coming onto cash assistance. A longitudinal survey of former and ongoing welfare mothers in Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods showed substantial increases in employment. These changes were not necessarily due to welfare reform; they might reflect the economy and maturation of women and their children. The number of neighborhoods with a high concentration of welfare recipients declined. (Contains 127 references.) (YLB)