NCJ Number
195318
Date Published
2002
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report presents an analysis of the impact on women and children of the lifetime ban on welfare benefits for those who are convicted of felony drug offenses.
Abstract
This report is the first national analysis to confront how the lifetime ban on welfare benefits for convicted drug offenders has impacted women and their children. In 1996, the Federal Government replaced Aid to Families with Dependant Children (AFDC) with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) during its sweeping welfare reform efforts. Section 115 of the welfare reform act places a lifetime ban on cash assistance and food stamps for those persons who are convicted of State or Federal felony drug offenses. Drug felonies were the only offenses written into the legislation as disqualifying offenses. Congress never debated about whether violent or other crimes should be similarly categorized. As of December 2001, 42 States imposed this ban at least in part. Data for this report was obtained from 23 States and found that an estimated 92,000 women were affected by the ban as well as 135,000 of their children. The report notes that these children are placed at greater risk for neglect and involvement in criminal activity as a result of insufficient family income. Also noted is the disproportionate impact this ban has on women of color as a result of racially discriminatory police practices and inequitable socioeconomic factors. The report concludes by recommending that the lifetime ban on welfare benefits be repealed in light of its detrimental impacts on women and children.