Welfare System Case Study

I would agree that the welfare system is a “broken system”, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that the welfare system needs to be “wiped out” before it can be improved. The welfare system is a large system and within that large system there are parts of the system that works well and there are parts that need additions and changes made to be more effective system with assisting individuals to become self-sufficient. Additionally, the welfare system needs to undergo change to become a more efficient system.

One addition that would benefit individuals with increasing self-sufficiency would include adding job coaches to the welfare system. I work with many individuals that would benefit greatly from a job coach to assist with learning how to complete an application for employment, create a resume, explore their interests to match with employment, evaluate their abilities, or even simply locating places of employment. Another addition, that I see a great need for is independent living

In 60 months an individual, that intends to improve their circumstances, has the ability to increase education, search for employment, have children enrolled into school, and make changes. I do not agree with the amount of TANF that is provided to the families that are in need of cash benefits to make ends meet. According to Gene Falk, Specialist in Social Policy, the maximum benefit amount of TANF for a single parent and two children in each state varies greatly with Alaska benefits being $923 a month at the highest and Tennessee at the lowest with a maximum benefit amount at $185 (Falk, 2014). I understand the cost of living varies, but this is an extremely large difference. If we expect individuals to become self-sufficient their basic needs need to be met so that their energy can be focused on actions that will allow self-sufficiency to be obtained rather than using their energy to meet the basic