The Challenges of Implementing The GAIN Program Essay -- Public Policy

The Challenges of Implementing The GAIN Program Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) no longer exists. A new era has arrived and the nation has moved in a completely different direction. In 1996, new legislation, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, was passed. Under this new Act, " The state and local governments wide –ranging autonomy, discretion and responsibility for serving poor women and children were returned to them. It does this by repealing AFDC, the nation’s welfare employment program (the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills Training Program), and the AFDC emergency assistance program. In its place, Congress and the president have authorized an unprecedented amount of block grant funding to states through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)". In this paper, I will briefly identify provisions and rules under TANF, identify administrative policy and programs set-up to deal with the new TANF regulations, and discuss implementation of the Greater Avenues through Independence Program (GAIN) in relationship to administrative issues at the Regional Administrator (RA) level. TANF/CalWorks/GAIN In 1998, Los Angeles County implemented new rules under the TANF program. "TANF takes welfare in entirely new directions by creating a welfare cliff: a five-year, lifetime limit for receiving assistance from federal TANF funds. A state’s failure to comply with this requirement will result in its block grant being reduced by 5%." Through its California Work Opportunities and Responsibilities to Kids (CalWorks) program, cash aid is available to needy families who meet certain requirements. Under CalWorks counties are required to enroll single parent families in welfare... ...s and what and how they feel about the services of case managers. Provides comprehensive overview of consumers opinions to help in quality service. Stocker, Robert P. and The George Washington University and Wilson A. Laura and University of Baltimore. "Verifying Compliance: Social Regulation and Welfare Reform." Public Administration Review vol. 58 (Sept/Oct 1998) 395-405 Examination study of Maryland’s welfare reform system. Two procedures are given to aid with enforcing social regulations. Includes verification and program design, administrative concerns and lessons for policy analysts. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services " LA GAIN overview" http://dpssweb.co.la.ca.us/gain/overview.htm Overview of Los Angeles County GAIN program. List and discusses participant eligibility requirements, services available, and timelines.