Title: Add it up. Teen parents and welfare -- undercounted, oversanctioned, underserved.

POPLINE Document Number: 276717

Author(s):

Duffy J
Levin-Epstein J

Source citation:

Washington, D.C., Center for Law and Social Policy [CLASP], 2002. 36 p.

Abstract:

Teen parents were of particular interest in the 1996 welfare debate. Research showed that almost one-half of all welfare recipients were single women who had first been teen mothers. While not all teen mothers immediately became welfare recipients, about one-half did so within five years of becoming parents; most received aid for two years, with many remaining on the welfare caseloads longer. Such findings led to stricter welfare eligibility requirements for teen parents as part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the new welfare program created in 1996. Under TANF, minor parents are required to adhere to rules related to schooling and living arrangements in order to receive federal assistance. Specifically, unless a minor mother is participating in school/training and living in an approved arrangement, she is ineligible for TANF. Add It Up examines how states and teen parents have fared during implementation of the 1996 requirements. Few national data have been available to answer basic facts, such as how many teen parents have been subject to the rules and how they have been treated under the rules. Consequently, in July 2000, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) undertook a survey to collect state data on teen parents who received TANF assistance. In addition to quantitative data, the survey sought insight and opinions from administrators of TANF teen parent programs about implementation. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Research Report
KAP Surveys
Parents
Adolescents
Government Officials
Adolescent Pregnancy
Social Security
Training Programs
Education
Living Arrangements
Legislation
Family Policy
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Family Relationships
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Administrative Personnel
Organization and Administration
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Financing, Government
Financial Activities
Economic Factors
Residence Characteristics
Population Distribution
Geographic Factors
Social Policy
Policy