Family Self-Sufficiency Program in Los Angeles County and Reduction in Welfare Dependency

Family Self-Sufficiency Program in Los Angeles County and Reduction in Welfare Dependency by Erica L. Hopkins MA, California State University Dominguez Hills, 2009 BS, California State University Dominguez Hills, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2019 Abstract This quantitative study explored the impact of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program on welfare dependency over time, by evaluating participant income 5 years after completing the FSS program. The study was guided using the framework of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, which initiated welfare reform in an effort to decrease dependency on government assistance; and the Quality HousingThis quantitative study explored the impact of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program on welfare dependency over time, by evaluating participant income 5 years after completing the FSS program. The study was guided using the framework of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, which initiated welfare reform in an effort to decrease dependency on government assistance; and the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, the law that initiated Public housing reform by reducing the high concentration of poverty. The research question examined whether the FSS Program in Los Angeles County reduced dependency on welfare overtime. The sample size for this study included 256 participants who received housing assistance payments from the Los Angeles County Housing Authority between 2010 and 2019. The results of this study demonstrate that Los Angeles County FSS program graduates are indeed, selfsufficient over time, thus reducing dependency on welfare. Implications for positive social change imply that cities across the nation could experience a decrease in poverty while benefiting from increased tax revenue resulting from higher employment rates. Working adults tend to be less prone to crime if they are making decent wages that can provide for their family. Family-Self Sufficiency Program in Los Angeles County and Reduction in Welfare Dependency by Erica L. Hopkins MA, California State University Dominguez Hills, 2009 BS, California State University Dominguez Hills, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to those family members in public housing who desire to break the chains of poverty and become self-sufficient. It is possible. Acknowledgments I first and foremost want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who constantly reminded me that with Him, nothing is impossible. Thank you, Jesus! Next, I want to thank my family. My husband, JC Hopkins has been my biggest fan, who encouraged me and helped me stay the course throughout this long and arduous journey. I am grateful for my children, Marcus, Matthew, Kayla, and Sterrling who energized me and helped me keep moving forward, even when it meant we could not spend time together because I had to work on my dissertation. I want to thank my mentor, Dr. Maureen Orey who regularly reminded me to “Stay Afloat” which is the title of her book on resilience. I appreciate my neighbor Dr. Jason Hidalgo who gave me the Trio Strategy for completing my dissertation and my coworkers, Stephanie Fitzsimmons and Manessa Threat (both PhD candidates) who encouraged me through positive affirmations and comedy. Thank you Dr. Gema Hernandez, my committee chair, who helped me keep pressing forward when I wanted to give up. I am grateful for her belief in me and the ongoing support that helped me get to the finish line. Finally, I would like to thank my committee member, Dr. Lydia Forsyth for supporting me through this entire journey. I appreciate everyone who helped make this dream a reality.