An evaluation of three welfare reform programs in Fresno County, California

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, commonly known as welfare reform, mandated changes in welfare programs throughout the United States. Basically, the law changed the focus of welfare from providing a safety net to moving people toward employment. This research evaluated the Calworks welfare-to-work program, the Food Stamps temporary assistance program, and the Medi-Cal health coverage program in Fresno County. A history of welfare policy and programs and federal and state objectives under welfare reform are outlined. The outcomes for the revised programs are examined for the 3 years following implementation of the federal mandates. The research found that the number of Calworks and Food Stamps cases decreased and the number of Medi-Cal cases increased. The portion of welfare recipients engaged in welfare-to-work activities rose, as did the number finding employment. Some barriers to employment were identified and recommendations made for future planning.