Family Violence and Social Policy: Welfare "Reform" and Beyond (From Battered Women, Children, and Welfare Reform, P 147-172, 1999, Ruth A. Brandwein, ed. -- See NCJ-185940)

• NCJ Number: 185951
• Author(s): Ruth A. Brandwein
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This final chapter provides an overview of what is known about the interaction of abused women (victims of domestic violence) with the welfare system as they attempt to make decisions and take action that can free themselves and their children from the consequences of violence in the home; it discusses the policy implications of current welfare legislation and the possible effects on survivors of abuse and offers recommendations for alternative short-term and long-term policies and programs.

Abstract

Under new Federal welfare reform legislation, the intent is to move recipients of public assistance into independent living under a time table that withdraws public assistance 5 years after it has begun. In some States, this time period is shorter. The setting of a uniform standard for the withdrawal of public assistance fails to take into account the many difficulties that abused women and their children have in making the transition from financial dependence on an abuser to a life of safety and self-sufficiency. To become financially independent, such women may need not only time to complete a high school education or equivalency, but also additional education and training necessary to compete for a job that will pay a living wage and provide some security. Also, women who have experienced abuse over time are likely to have lower self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. Other difficulties arise when the mother must also be a protector and caregiver for children who may have been abused by their father. The proposed Wellstone-Murray Family Violence Amendment to the Federal Personal Responsibility Act would provide for the individualizing and tailoring of welfare policies to a realistic assessment of the services needed by victims of domestic abuse and the time required to reach financial self-sufficiency under the individual plan. This chapter discusses the short-term and long-term components of plans for domestic violence victims on public assistance. 10 notes and 31 references