This research brief from the Urban Institute describes preliminary findings from a study of the experiences of prisoners returning home to areas around Cleveland. Providing a broad range of reentry challenges, authors examine potential factors…

This research brief discusses the importance of work supports for low-wage earners to maintain and advance in the job market. The National Assembly's Family Strengthening Policy Center outlines the work-plus approach to support workers in the…

With the ten year anniversary of welfare reform and the Reauthorization of TANF in February 2006, this article outlines States' current regulations prior to implementing the changes under Reauthorization. Under the new regulations, most States…

This policy brief explores the position of women in the labor force over the past 25 years. Across all labor categories, the number of women in the workforce has increased, and the male/female wage gap has narrowed. Less-skilled women currently…

This article reviews information on transitional jobs programs around the country to address barriers to help low-income parents achieve work. Often time, these programs are focused around serving clients with multiple barriers, and they have had…

This article for the NGA Center on Best Practices reviews why reading and literacy activities are important for States. Literary readers have been shown to be more likely than nonreaders to pursue social and civic activities such as volunteering…

Data has shown that prisoners are less likely to return to crime if they are able to secure employment after release. However, many returning ex-offenders experience barriers to employment. This study looks at the experience and employment data…

This article, through Mathematica Policy Research, reviews the role that the Pathways Case Management System has had in helping States achieve universal engagement. Pathways includes tools to help frontline TANF staff give recipients the supports…

Mentoring programs can often provide positive youth development similar to the support a youth receives from caregivers. This issue brief, from the National Human Service Assembly, offers information on how greater family engagement in youth…

Depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence can pose significant barriers to work for low-income women on TANF. There is a lack of research on the co-occurrence of these barriers and the effects that they can have on children. From…