Welfare to what? A policy agenda.

The Ohio Works First Program went into effect on October 1, 1997. In October 2000 the first round of individuals will be terminated from receiving cash assistance due to passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers/hindrances to self-sufficiency among a selected sample of welfare consumers. Describing a portion of those who are in a self-sufficiency program in Northeast Ohio, the study indicates specific obstacles to self-sufficiency such as unemployment and underemployment, transportation, housing, child care, self-efficacy, and county sanctions. Recommendations for policy makers along with a policy agenda and recommendations for service agencies are included.