Promoting Healthy Families - Welfare in America

Originally, in the 1930s, welfare operations served individuals in need, providing for unskilled widows after war and those who were physically disabled. Welfare plans were need-based assistance supporting consequences of tragedy (Ellwood, 2000, p.187). Nevertheless, welfare or need based programs have changed. Prior to 1996 welfare participants were allotted cash entitlements (Moynihan, Smeeding & Rainwater, 2004, p. 183). Welfare policy has historical evolved into the 20th century reforms signed into law with the Personal Responsibility and Work Operation Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), enhanced by the Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2003.

The Future of the Family affirms the 1996 modification as successful in decreasing poverty levels and promoting financial self-empowerment, and changing the way government and states administer welfare. Fewer Americans rely on free money or cash expectations due to positive work incentives for families and benefits for children (Moynihan, Rainwater & Smeeding, 2004, p. 183). The Executive Office of the President Administration summary of 2003 outlines governmental guidelines to strengthen the financially ailing low income families and alleviate the burden of welfare cost reliance. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative/sap/108-1/hr4sap-h.pdf
The Acts goal to train individuals to work and develop a vocation to be allowed governmental assistance has reduced welfare recipients.