View the full project profile

Project Description

This demonstration will attempt to estimate the impact of California's TANF program. Generally, impacts will be assessed by comparing outcomes in the post-TANF period with the pre-TANF period. The impact of various county programs may also be examined by comparing outcomes among the counties.
The major research questions concern the impact of State's TANF program on self-sufficiency, family composition, and child well-being. To the extent possible, the impacts of TANF on different subgroups will be considered. Attempts will also be made to determine the impacts of differing implementation of TANF among the counties.
Impacts will be estimated by use of regression techniques on time series data which include pre- and post-TANF outcomes. The regression techniques will correct for changes in demographics, and for economic conditions. These techniques will be used on statewide data to obtain statewide effects and will also be applied to county-level data. On the county level variables associated with how the county has implemented TANF will be used to determine if impacts associated with specific implementation strategies can be estimated.

Project duration: Apr 1998 -

Sites studied include California

Sample Characteristics and Sites Studied

California will use a 10 percent statewide sample of welfare recipients. These samples date back to 1987 providing a rich database to use to test the models. The sample data consist of Department of Social Services information on AFDC, SSI, Medi-Cal and foster care. These data have been supplemented by data on unemployment and disability insurance, and Department of Health Services data on births.

Recent Findings in Brief

Contact