Moreover, they stay home when faced with child-care or transportation difficulties. Many have problems with drugs or depression, and years of dependence have left others without a work ethic. Nationwide, about 40 percent of those who leave welfare for work return to welfare rolls within a year say Urban Institute researchers. Two-thirds go back to welfare within five years. About half lack even a high school education.
Officials say client-support programs do help, however.
Marriott Corp. has trained about 600 welfare clients and has a 77 percent one-year retention rate. The Tulsa, Okla., Chamber of Commerce placed 102 graduates of its job-training program in jobs in 1996, with retention rates staying above 50 percent.