In Chapter 6 we reviewed the history of the welfare reform move-
ment over the last thirty years, analyzed how the various forces
for reform resulted in the passage of a major change in welfare
legislation, and examined the philosophy and major provisions of the
PRWORA of 1996. In Chapter 7 we examined how the states have
opted to design their new welfare systems within the rather liberal
boundaries allowed by the PRWORA. In this chapter we turn to an
examination of the impact of the PRWORA, reviewing the latest re-
search on how well those required to leave welfare, and those diverted
from welfare, are faring and how well various provisions of the reform
law are working. The outcomes of a few of the major provisions of
the PRWORA, along with legislation passed to supplement or support
the reform legislation, are evaluated in depth. We conclude by dis-
cussing the early insights gained by this review about the strengths
and weaknesses of the PRWORA and the changes that will be required
to enhance the chances for the reform legislation to achieve its goals.

Regardless of the decisions that states have made about how to design
their new welfare plans, the debate and changes that have taken place

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