This project studies the status of former TANF recipients in high-unemployment areas and develop potential and capacity for future study of these issues in DC. Administrative data on TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, and foster care from DC's integrated system are used to examine former recipients' reasons for leaving the program, subsequent non-TANF program participation, and returns to TANF. These administrative data are available over time going back to 1992. In addition, focus groups of individuals who left TANF in the third quarter of 1997 are conducted on the barriers to, and successes of, gaining and retaining employment. Finally, a mixed-mode survey is conducted for cases that exited in the fourth quarter of 1998. Approximately 675 families are surveyed 9 months after exit, between July and September, 1999.
