Governor appoints task force to study welfare reform program

The task force includes researchers, service providers and former clients. It’s part of an effort to secure federal reauthorization of the program in 2007.

“Families First has enabled thousands of Tennesseans to become self-sufficient, Bredesen said in a statement released Tuesday. “We have been in the program seven years and the time has come to see where we can make some changes and help more Tennesseans become self-sufficient, taxpaying citizens.”

In 1996, Congress abolished the welfare program Aid to Families with Dependent Children and replaced it with the Temporary Assistance to Needy Family program.

Just before the passage of the new federal program, Tennessee received a waiver and was permitted to create its own welfare reform program called Families First.

The new program was designed to meet the needs of Tennessee residents. It stresses education, training and personal responsibility.

Families First also provides a cash benefit and support services to families with children experiencing financial problems.

Families First has served more than 200,000 families since it was launched. It now serves about 70,000 families and 140,000 children.

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On the Net: http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/famfir.htm