Lost leavers: Uncovering the circumstances of those without welfare and without work

Pamela C. Ovwigho, Nicholas J. Kolupanowich, Andrea Hetling, Catherine E. Born

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

An increasing number of people no longer enrolled in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) experience periods of "disconnection" after exiting the welfare program. The present research, based on data from a large longitudinal state welfare leaver study, explores the circumstances and characteristics of welfare leavers who receive no formal employment earnings but do not return to cash assistance for at least 1 year after exiting welfare. Using a variety of administrative program data and welfare caseworker notes, the size of the various subgroups within the disconnected population and their possible needs were examined. Cluster analysis revealed 6 important subgroups with differing needs and barriers. The findings focus on policy implications, particularly in relation to the Congressional reauthorization of TANF.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)397-404
Number of pages8
JournalFamilies in Society
Volume92
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lost leavers: Uncovering the circumstances of those without welfare and without work'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this