Accountability is one of the critical components of the welfare changes.
Able-bodied adults receiving public assistance are accountable for getting and keeping a job. State and local officials are accountable for providing the pathway and tools necessary to make that happen, McCall said. Based on the findings of these two audits, the State Department of Labor is not living up to its responsibilities. The 1997 State welfare bill requires that most public assistance recipients either be employed or be involved in education or training activities that will lead to employment. Local Social Service Districts must assess the skills, work experience and employability of recipients, and must determine if additional education or training is required.