Citation

Lohman BJ, Pittman LD, Coley RL, Chase‐Lansdale PL. Soc. Serv. Rev. 2004; 78(1): 41-73.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Using a representative sample of low‐income, urban preschoolers (n = 755) and adolescents (n = 1,130), this article addresses links among family welfare receipt, family processes, and child outcomes. For adolescents, family welfare receipt is related to decreased cognitive achievement and heightened behavioral and emotional problems. For preschoolers, both current and past welfare receipt are associated with problematic functioning. Families who received welfare sanctions have children with particularly problematic developmental outcomes. Mothers’ human capital, health, and parenting practices attenuate many of these links. Policy implications regarding potential impacts of welfare reform on children’s developmental trajectories are discussed.