Barriers to Independence Among TANF Recipients: Comparing Caseworker Records and Client Surveys

摘要

Survey-based studies reveal the prevalence of employment barriers among Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients. However, the extent to which welfare caseworkers are aware of, and therefore able to address, particular barriers is unknown. This study compares survey data with electronic case records to measure the rate of agreement in barrier identification, and finds that although agreement rates are high, barriers were more likely to have been documented by caseworkers for certain subgroups of recipients. It is suggested that welfare agencies consider using validated scales and measures to assess some barriers in order to increase the likelihood of identifying and removing barriers to work for more recipients, particularly in light of new, more stringent work participation requirements.