In 1998, Mathematica began a five-year comprehensive evaluation of WFNJ to determine how clients were faring under the new reforms, how reform was implemented, and how communities responded to welfare reform and local challenges and opportunities. This report provides a brief summary of key...

Mathematica’s WFNJ client study included three rounds of in-depth, face-to-face interviews with a subset of families who had received welfare under the new reforms. This largely narrative report describes the wide range of experiences of current and former recipients and portrays their...

Examines how local agencies have adapted WFNJ/TANF to their own counties. Finds that all counties have implemented the basic program, county staff support the goals of WFNJ, and partnerships exist at the state and county levels. However, integration between the welfare and workforce systems...

Shows that WFNJ clients continue to leave welfare for work and improve their outcomes. Although many are in low-paying jobs, their earnings are increasing, and more are getting fringe benefits. However, one in three remains on TANF, and they face multiple barriers to employment--for example,...

Early findings show a steady decline in welfare receipt and a steady increase in employment. In addition, those who have left welfare for work are better off financially than those who remain on, even though many are not receiving available supports, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and child care...