Caseworkers' Assessment of Welfare Reform

SUMMARY

This qualitative study focuses on the experiences of 17 caseworkers, supervisors, and administrative personnel from three agencies in San Antonio, Texas, in implementing welfare reform. In general, caseworkers interviewed supported the goals of welfare reform but cited a number of barriers to its successful implementation, including high caseloads, numerous policy changes, lack of coordination between the two agencies responsible for mandated services to TANF clients, and harder-to-serve clients. Further, two tensions emerged regarding client motivation and a functional definition of “self-sufficiency” as “not on TANF.” These tensions raise questions about the underlying policy of welfare reform.

Key Words:

• Qualitative research
• caseworkers perspective
• barriers to success
• PRWORA