Abstract
ABSTRACT
IMPACT OF THE WELFARE-TO-WORK PROGRAM ON TRANSITIONINGPROGRAM PARTICIPANTS INTO LONG-TERM SELF-SUFFICIENCY:
A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS
ByWinna S. Crichlow
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of Los Angeles County’smandatory Welfare-to-Work program on helping welfare recipients who participated in
the program as a condition of eligibility to public assistance achieve long-term self-
sufficiency. The research assesses if participation leads to successful outcomes.
Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this study is based on the theorythat individuals who participate in mandated employment and training programs will
achieve self-sufficiency.
Methodology: This study utilized a qualitative approach. The phenomenological basedmethodology was applied to understand the lived experiences of former welfare
recipients that have been self-sufficient for a period of three years or more.
Findings: Analysis of the lived experiences of 15 former welfare recipients confirmedthat program participants found participation in the Welfare-to-Work program beneficial
to their success with moving off welfare rolls. There was consensus that other factors also
contributed to their success such as personal accountability, support from case managers,
and the availability of supportive services.
Conclusions and Recommendations: The research from this study supports the theorythat participation in the Welfare-to-Work program assists program participants with
achieving long-term self-sufficiency. The findings suggest that the program meets its
intended purpose to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, but there are
varying levels of engagement from case managers that would require additional research
into their education, work history, and capacity to support individuals experiencing
various hardships and/or trauma. The findings further suggest high success rates amongst
participants that participated in Transitional Subsidized Employment opportunities to
obtain gainful work experience.