Journal Facts

Journal
International Journal of Self-Help and Self-Care
ISSN
1091-2851 (print) 1541-4450 (electronic)
Volume
4
Issue
3
Date
1/1/2005

Article Facts

Title
An Assessment of Welfare Recipients' Abilities to Meet Employers' Demands: Can Self-Sufficiency Be Achieved Under TANF?
DOI
10.2190/SH.4.3.f
Author
Isaac D. Montoya
Pages
257-269
Online Date
05/22/2009

Article Links

An Assessment of Welfare Recipients' Abilities to Meet Employers' Demands: Can Self-Sufficiency Be Achieved Under TANF?

Isaac D. Montoya

DOI: 10.2190/SH.4.3.f

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential effectiveness of Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) in achieving the goals of self-sufficiency through "work first" initiatives. A sample of 252 female TANF recipients was interviewed every 4 months for 1 year. Cluster analysis was used to group recipients by critical labor market variables including education, knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and substance abuse. Results revealed 2 groups of recipients, 1 with significantly higher levels of education and KSAs and lower levels of substance use. The cluster with less desirable employment qualifications exhibited significantly lower employment levels. "Work first" is a successful strategy for some recipients, but for many it is an unrealistic goal. Other strategies must be developed to address the many problems that a significant portion of recipients experience.

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