Recent Changes in Washington Welfare and Work, Child Care, and Child Welfare Systems. State Update No. 6. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies.

This brief examines changes in Washington's welfare-to-work, child care, and child welfare systems since 1997, presenting information from visits to Washington in 1999 and 2000. It profiles Washington's demographic, economic, and political conditions, reviewing its income support and social services systems and highlighting recent changes, caseload statistics, and service organization. Three sections examine specific programs and services, describing the administrative structure, general service delivery, and policies affecting each program and program clients. The report describes Washington's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, including the work-related component for TANF recipients and the overall workforce development system. It examines Washington's system for providing child care for both TANF and nonwelfare families. It also discusses the child welfare system, particularly the interaction between child welfare and welfare reform. Washington provides a generous safety net, exceeding national averages, while implementing several key features embodied in federal welfare reform (time limits and a work-first philosophy). Washington undertook some significant organizational changes to reach its present structure. Regarding child care, Washington is unique in giving local agencies flexibility in how they assign staff responsibilities within community service offices. Federal and state spending for child welfare have increased substantially. (Contains 17 endnotes.) (SM)