Citation

Taylor MJ, Barusch AS. Soc. Work 2004; 49(2): 175-183.

Affiliation

College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112-0260, USA. lmjtaylor@socwk.utah.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, National Association of Social Workers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15124958

Abstract

This article reports the results of an in-depth, descriptive study of long-term welfare recipients. A random sample of 284 respondents, all of whom had received public assistance for at least 36 months, were interviewed. Results illustrate personal barriers to self-sufficiency, including physical health problems that prevent work, severe domestic violence, educational deficits, substance abuse, learning disabilities, child behavior problems, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and clinical depression. Study findings underscore the complex, persistent, and multiple difficulties experienced by this population and suggest that for some welfare recipients, long-term (even lifelong) financial supports and social services may be in order. Implications for policy and programming are discussed.

Language: en