For the majority of the caseload, welfare has been the safety net that has to suffice until they recover from losing their income source. Whatever the combination of factors, it's inevitable that some small fraction of our population will be caught unemployed at times and will need a safety net. Alabama's safety net isn't adequate for the real needs of a family. One thoughtful reform was the recent recognition that it doesn't make sense to make a family applying for assistance sell its car, if we expect them to find a job soon. Now a family may keep one car and still get welfare.
Child care needs more funding to eliminate waiting lists and improve quality.
Unfortunately, any increase must be made without the benefit of a federal match. These are working families one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. One option is to form a state-funded program, targeted to a particular hardship category. The program could provide a small income while teaming DHR with other agencies like the Department of Rehabilitative Services to help recipients learn to cope with their disabilities. Already DHR and DRS are cooperating more in some counties.