WELFARE-REFORM OR REVISION - THE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT OF 1988

In this article, the chief provisions of the 1988 Family Support Act are outlined. Its background, implementation, especially its Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) program and child-care components, and plans for evaluation are discussed. In addition, the child-care earned income tax credit and expanded Medicaid assistance provisions of the 1990 Budget Reconciliation Act are briefly summarized since these provisions may affect important added resources for selected employed graduates of JOBS programs. Finally, a critique of many aspects of the Family Support Act plus an estimate of the probable success of the JOBS components are presented, together with suggestions for further experimentation and research.