In seven pages welfare reform and its problems are examined in a consideration of such programs as Temporary Aid to Needy Families. Six sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: AM2_PPtanf.rtf
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in 1996, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), is the result of years of manipulations by powerful politicians and various special interest groups. TANF involved both inside and outside
mobilization strategies among various womens groups as well as governmental entities, some for the policies being suggested and others vehemently against them. In just the few short years of
its existence TANF has had a phenomenal impact on our nation. Its most notable impact is in the modification of a welfare system which had simply grown beyond its
means. Essentially this welfare system had become a free-for-all for citizens and immigrants alike and the intent of TANF was to hone that system down so that it still
functioned for those truly in need but so that there was a time limit for which individuals and families could receive welfare benefits (Blum, 1998). The other intent was
to provide impetus for these individuals to move outside the welfare system and find productive employment. TANF has, however, had both successes and failures in that it did indeed
hack down the welfare role to a degree but it failed to provide adequate means through which people could find alternate subsistence. One
of the major features of TANF was the stimulation of state and local government to require an increase in their requirements for work participation. The provisions of TANF were
made in recognition of the fact that welfare is not a solution, it is a state of perpetual poverty. TANF received considerable resistance, however, from those who perceived the
move as a direct attack on the nations most vulnerable. Single mothers, in particular, were viewed as vulnerable to TANFs economic and social impacts.