Employment Experiences and Support Services Use Following TANF Exits

Abstract

ABSTRACT The welfare reforms embodied in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) emphasized the devolution of program authority, which raises questions concerning the variability of outcomes across geographic areas. This article analyzes sub-state variations in the post-exit employment experiences and support services use of a random sample of 514 former Illinois Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. Findings reveal substantial variations in employment and support services outcomes across four types of geographic areas (large city, suburban, other urban, and rural). The implications of these findings for social policy development and research are discussed.