This article for the NGA Center on Best Practices reviews why reading and literacy activities are important for States. Literary readers have been shown to be more likely than nonreaders to pursue social and civic activities such as volunteering…

Data has shown that prisoners are less likely to return to crime if they are able to secure employment after release. However, many returning ex-offenders experience barriers to employment. This study looks at the experience and employment data…

This article, through Mathematica Policy Research, reviews the role that the Pathways Case Management System has had in helping States achieve universal engagement. Pathways includes tools to help frontline TANF staff give recipients the supports…

Mentoring programs can often provide positive youth development similar to the support a youth receives from caregivers. This issue brief, from the National Human Service Assembly, offers information on how greater family engagement in youth…

Depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence can pose significant barriers to work for low-income women on TANF. There is a lack of research on the co-occurrence of these barriers and the effects that they can have on children. From…

This policy brief gives evidence on the determinants of earnings advances for the working class. It considers the implications for a refined job advancement strategy for welfare recipients and other low earners. Based on the study, an effective…

Authored by Robert G. Wood and Anu Rangarajan. Based on four rounds of annual follow-up surveys with an early group of New Jersey TANF recipients, this issue brief focuses on those who have left the welfare rolls and are not working. About one in…

Mentoring programs have a positive affect on improving outcomes for youth; however, there are few programs available for youth with disabilities. This article outlines the benefits of mentoring and reviews accommodations that can be made to…

Contrary to expectations, recent leavers are no more disadvantaged than those at the start of welfare reform, according to this Urban Institute report. Researchers caution, however, that States have considerable work ahead if they are to help…

This issue brief by the Welfare Information Network discusses the challenges to self-sufficiency and employment facing low-income mothers with criminal records. The brief provides strategies, best practices, and resource contacts to effectively…