The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) was created as part of the Family Support Act of 1988. It required welfare recipients to participate in job training and job search activities in order to receive funds from Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). JOBS provided specific job preparation activities and provided for child care assistance to participants.

An evaluation of the JOBS program in three cities showed that participation in the program had a positive impact on children’s academic outcomes but affected their health and safety negatively. More information about the evaluation can be found on Child Trends.

Several other studies have shown the effectiveness of the JOBS program. Some of the results can be viewed at Washington State Institute of Public Policy and the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy.

JOBS ended in 1996, replaced by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA.) The PRWORA emphasizes job placement, rather than training. A summary of the PRWORA is available from
Source Watch.

Some states still offer JOBS programs, including North Dakota and Oregon. The JOBS program is also provided by the Education and Assistance Corporation in Nassau County, New York. Public assistance recipients are referred to the JOBS program by the Nassau County Department of Social Services. Some of the services offered by state JOBS programs include GED preparation, ESL, basic education courses, and vocational training. Some may also provide financial assistance for purchases of books, tuition, child care services, uniforms, and other job tools.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) was adopted as part of the PRWORA and replaced the federal JOBS program, as well as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and the Emergency Assistance (EA) program. TANF provides temporary assistance to families until they are able to get employment. Some of the goals of TANF include providing assistance so that children can be cared for at home, helping families become self-sufficient through job preparation, and promoting marriage and two parent families. TANF is managed by the Office of Family Assistance and administered through block grants to states. The federal government applies basic requirements and guidelines for TANF, but states develop and administer the programs and determine benefits and eligibility requirements.

TANF has expired, but has since been reauthorized under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA.) This act made some changes to the program’s administration, including requirements for participation in work and job search activities. Information about the DRA and its impact on TANF can be found at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Administration for Children and Families provides detailed information about TANF. The organization also provides a directory of state TANF agencies. State TANF policies and requirements can be found at the State Policy Documentation Project and National Center for Children in Poverty.