Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/LauraKKaye

Initial implementation of CalWORKS has resulted in several trends among TANF, employment development, child care, and child welfare agencies. These include: 1) increased county discretion in determining local CalWORKS-related policies; 2) significant reductions in TANF caseloads; 3) substantial new resources dedicated to supporting all CalWORKS families with child care subsidies; 4) greater collaboration across state- and local-level agencies in an effort to streamline service delivery; and 5) a continued emphasis on work first, with community resources becoming more aligned to support sustained employment.

In 1996 and 1997, the Urban Institute conducted case studies in 13 states that provided a baseline for understanding changes emerging from welfare reform. This set of state updates describes changes occurring between 1996-97 and 1999-2000 based on a second set of case studies completed in 1999 and 2000. Programs covered include income support through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, employment and training supports for low-income welfare and non-welfare families, child care, and child welfare. It also looks at interactions among these programs.

There are two Highlights for each state. The income support and social services Highlights look at basic income support programs, employment and training programs, child care, child support enforcement, and the last-resort safety net. The Highlights capture policies in place and planned in 1996 and early 1997.

The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The state reports are based on case studies in the respective state.

Return to list of authors