Strategies for Reaching the Welfare-to-Work Population

Abstract

This article proposes strategies for reaching the welfare-to-work population that has not taken advantage of provisions in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. Attorneys and other concerned citizens must first locate welfare-to-work candidates. Strategies for locating candidates include working with community and civic groups, churches and religious organizations, volunteering at legal aid clinics, and organizing "street law" approaches. Another strategy hinges on understanding that many of the people who have not taken advantage of the welfare-to-work benefits are suspicious not only of anyone new but also of any measure that purports to benefit the poor.