The success of welfare reform depends on the existence of accessible, affordable, quality child care for all low wage workers. PASS I for families receiving Temporary Assistance benefits, PASS II for families who are moving from reliance on TA, and PASS III for low-income families. During that same period, the average number of children served on a monthly basis by all subsidy programs increased by 2, 500. Welfare reform efforts include 'parental choice' provisions, which allow parents expanded options in choosing child care, including care from relatives and friends.
Many parents select providers who are exempt from licensing under state child care regulations.
As a result, in 1998, the State of Alaska initiated a policy that all providers receiving child care subsidy payments must meet minimum health and safety standards and register with the state to provide child care.