These changes arose out of an emphasis toward reduction of federal spending, a movement from dependence toward personal responsibility, and a shift in the flow of funds and responsibility from the federal level to states to determine ways to create effective programs to assist low-income populations. For the individual, many welfare recipients bring significant barriers to employment. Yet several states are reporting reduced caseloads and successful early job placement efforts. North Carolina's program joins others in reporting early successes. Falling caseload numbers and rising employment statistics are not the only indicators that a program will sustain effectiveness over time.
Welfare reform is a complex issue.
In North Carolina, the response to welfare reform is a program called Work First. The Work First program is also rallying applause for its early successes in placing people in jobs. First like other welfare reform programs incorporates personal responsibility contracts, paid work, volunteer work, or school requirements and time limitations. Across the state, local departments of social services are responding to diverse needs of their clientele. A reserach project called Workfront-Homefront is collecting data from Work First participants to garner their perspective on ways to sustain employment for parents transitioning from welfare.