Welfare Reform in Los Angeles: Implementation, Effects, and Experiences of Poor Families and Neighborhoods

Los Angeles' welfare caseload is larger than that of 48 of the 50 states. LA had a rigorous work participation requirement and developed policies to help move welfare recipients into jobs; over time, more recipients did go to work. However, most recipients still remained poor, and those who worked were usually in low-wage jobs without benefits. The challenge facing welfare policymakers is how to devise strategies to help low-wage workers acquire the skills needed to financially advance.