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. 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 2002, 25,789 individuals and 9,601 families were receiving welfare under
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Maine. This compared with 67,836 individuals
and 23,903 families in January 1993. Maine’s reduction in welfare caseload was similar to
the national decline in persons and families on welfare.

 

Data Sources and Context

The data source for this measure is the Administration for Children & Families,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The data is available on-line at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/acf_news/stats/newstat2.html.