By researching sanction policies across four counties in California, this article found that, for the most part, county workers reach out to participants to prevent sanctioning. Specifically, one county has found success with contracting out to…

Since the welfare reform of 1996, sanctions have become an important policy for States moving families off welfare and into work. Largely understudied, this research provides information on the use of sanctions in Illinois, New Jersey, and South…

This report sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) uses survey and administrative data to examine the personal characteristics and situations, potential challenges for employment, compensating…

Nearly a decade has passed since Indiana began planning its approach to welfare reform. In January 1994 Governor Evan Bayh announced an initial plan, called the “Partnership for Personal Responsibility.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human…

In 1995, the Texas Legislature enacted H. B. 1863, which formed the basis for Texas’ waiver from existing Federal laws governing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. The Texas waiver, officially known as the Achieving…

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 changed cash welfare from a system of income maintenance as an entitlement to low-income families to one in which assistance to families is both limited and…

Three-city study from Johns Hopkins University examines who is affected by sanctions and case closings and why.