Jobs as a Two Generation Program.

Most discussions of welfare reform ignore two factors: its effect on children; and the fact that a welfare reform law, the Family Support Act of 1988 (FSA), already exists. FSA created state Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) welfare-to-work programs, and if the JOBS program is adequately funded, it can improve the lives of welfare families. The Foundation for Child Development has been interested in FSA and its JOBS programs, and in early 1992 published a report, "Pathways to Self-Sufficiency," which advocates two-generation intervention, simultaneously providing welfare-to-work services for parents and supports to help children grow up healthy and ready to learn. An ideal two-generation intervention would have six elements: assessment of child and family needs; high quality child care and early childhood education; services to support parenting; preventive health care; education and training services leading to employment at a living wage; and family case management. In many ways, a JOBS welfare-to-work program can serve as a jumping-off point for helping families obtain this package of services. If child advocates become familiar with their local JOBS programs, they can help them identify and facilitate opportunities to help children and families. (MM)