Indiana Welfare Reform Evaluation: Program Implementation and Economic Impacts211 After Two Years

摘要

In May 1995, Indiana became one of the first states to implement a statewide211u001ewelfare reform including many of the provisions now in wide national currency-a 211u001e'Work First' approach, time limits on adults' eligibility for cash assistance, a 211u001esocial contract, sanctions for failure to meet parenting responsibilities, and a 211u001ecap on assistance to children conceived on welfare. The goals of the program are 211u001eto increase clients' employment, decrease reliance on welfare and increase self-211u001esufficiency, make work more financially rewarding than public assistance, 211u001eencourage responsible parenting, and develop working partnerships with local 211u001egovernment and businesses. This report summarizes findings on the program's 211u001eimplementation and impacts on economic outcomes based on two years of follow-up 211u001efor families that entered the demonstration in the first year of the new program. 211u001eLater reports will assess impacts over a longer follow-up interval and wider 211u001earray of outcomes.