The reduction in caseloads identified previously actually serves as an indicator of shifting focus away from program outcomes. The state objectives of the PRWORA are at odds with reducing or eliminating poverty. Rather, they are put in place to limit the accessibility and use of government assistance (CITE: the effects of TANF).
Likewise, TANF time limits stop families from receiving long term support even when it’s desperately needed. Those who leave the welfare system due to reaching their time limits are more likely to still be underemployed, undereducated and facing only slightly improved conditions than when they were in the program (CITE: results are more mixed, effects of time limits, work activity). Non-working welfare recipients’ rates may have declined, but non-working, non-welfare families are on the …show more content…
Altman and Goldberg (2008) attribute some of the reductions in TANF participation to recipients’ ignorance to their rights regarding welfare. This argument is strengthened by Kansas Action for Children’s 2015 report that shows a continued reduction in TANF participation even though other welfare programs saw increased participation (CITE: Kids Count somehow). This data reaffirms the success of the darker goal of PRWORA. Families who might otherwise receive benefits are discussed by the complexity of the program and the increasingly stringent restrictions placed on cash assistance in states like