Welfare to Work: AFDC Training Program Spends Billions, but Not Well Focused on Employment

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO discussed the success of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) program in moving Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients into employment. GAO noted that: (1) although the federal government has spent almost $8 billion to provide AFDC recipients with education, training, and support services, it has not transformed AFDC into a transitional cash assistance program focused on employment; (2) few are served in JOBS and some of those most at risk of long welfare stays, such as teen parents, have not been reached; (3) the JOBS program is not well focused on the ultimate goal of employment; (4) the number of JOBS participants who have become employed is not known; (5) the federal government generally rewards states financially for placing AFDC recipients in education and training programs, but not for finding them jobs; and (6) the programs in most communities are not fully using the tools available to link AFDC recipients with employers.