Indicator: 61 - Leaving Welfare

Why This Is Important

Welfare receipt imposes large costs on taxpayers and can be a painful stigma for those who receive assistance. There is some evidence suggesting that long-term welfare receipt may have a more negative impact on adult recipients and their children than short-term receipt that helps a family weather a crisis (Duncan, G., and Brooks-Gunn, J. 1997). Federal welfare reform enacted in 1996 is a major social policy change that has significantly affected families and the communities in which families seek employment.

Where We Stand

As of January 2000, there were 12,281 welfare recipients in Maine. This number has consistently fallen since 1993, at least in part due to changes introduced by welfare reform in the mid-1990's.

Data Sources and Context

The data source for this indicator is the Bureau of Family Independence, Maine Department of Human Services.