Welfare Reform After 5 Years: Through the Eyes of Former Welfare Recipients & Reporters

August marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the welfare reform legislation that substantially transformed the American welfare system. One of its major goals was to help mothers leave welfare and join the workforce. Since implementation in 1996, the number of single mothers with jobs has increased dramatically.

What does the transition from welfare to work entail? What challenges must be overcome along the way? How have the lives of poor families changed? An important perspective in answering these questions-and one that is often overlooked-is that of the mothers themselves. Another important perspective comes from reporters who increased the public’s understanding of this issue by following the progress of individual families.

The Brookings Welfare Reform & Beyond initiative is sponsoring a forum to hear directly from several former welfare recipients about their experience leaving welfare for work. We will also hear from two reporters who have provided insight into the daily lives of families experiencing welfare reform.