"Federal Role in Establishing National Income Security for Children"

Martha N. Ozawa

Washington University

Abstract: As the United States attempts to minimize public spending onsocial welfare programs and to shift the authority over many programs to the states, the federal government needs to establish a program of income security for children that is not tied to welfare. Such a program is in the national interest because the country will need a strong, competent work force to deal with stiffer global economic competition and a greater financial obligation to support the elderly. This article discusses why income security for children cannot be provided by the current system of income transfers and advocates the establishment of a $1,000 refundable tax credit for all children and an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

"Welfare Mothers Speak: One State's Effort to Bring Recipient Voices to the Welfare Debate"

Sandra Sue Butler and Mary Katherine Nevin

University of Maine

Abstract: Recipients of AFDC are rarely asked what they think about welfare reform. As part of a multifaceted research effort designed to move the welfare debate in the state of Maine beyond myths and stereotypes, a coalition of activists, service providers and academics created the AFDC Parent Survey and disseminated it to a random sample of AFDC families (n=929). This article presents a thematic analysis of the narrative data resulting from the three open-ended questions on this survey which asked respondents what they needed in order to become economically self-sufficient. Six conceptual themes emerged from the data: struggling against odds; children are priority; catch-22; give us a chance; division of the oppressed; and thank you for listening. These six themes are presented through direct quotes from the respondents and implications of this research are discussed.

"AFDC Recipients and Family Caregiving Responsibilities"

Sue J. Steiner

Arizona State University

Abstract: This article explores the relationship between family caregiving among AFDC recipients and the length of time women remain on AFDC. Findings demonstrate a relationship between the poor health of children and the length of time a woman remains on AFDC, and provide a basis for suggesting two types of policy initiatives. First, AFDC recipients who have caregiving responsibilities for sick or disabled children should either be allowed to continue receiving public assistance to support their care giving activities, or the state should provide alternative care options. Second, programs such as universal immunizations for children and universal health care that could improve the health of the poor, and thus alleviate some of the need for family care giving by AFDC recipients, should be instituted.

"Poverty and Child Placement: A New/Old Idea"

Nora S. Gustavsson and Ann E. MacEachron

Arizona State University

Abstract: One result of the Republican victories in November 1994, is the suggestion that the children of the poor should be separated from their parents. The removal of children for no other reason than poverty is an old idea. The article examines the historical precedents of child placement, reviews the experience of the poorest group of Americans (Native Americans) and analyzes child placement through the lens of poverty. In addition, the role of the federal government in protecting vulnerable children is examined by comparing two federal laws-the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act.