Counseling Psychology and Welfare Reform

Abstract

The passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRA) of 1996 marked the beginning of reforms in the welfare system that promise to affect more than 20 million people in the next 5 years. Although many agree that reform was needed, efforts may be based on misconceptions about welfare recipients. The transition from welfare to work may be problematic for many, as they face individual factors (e.g., psychological disorders) and contextual variables (e.g., lack of well-paying jobs). Counseling psychology traditionally has rested on the foundations of the vocational guidance, psychological testing, psychotherapy, and mental hygiene movements. The context of welfare reform offers unique opportunities and obvious responsibilities for the profession. This article discusses the philosophies and values of counseling psychology in the context of realities and misconceptions of the past welfare system and implications of the PRA. Recommendations for points of entry for counseling psychologists are made.

Prevalence of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders Among Single Mothers Nearing Lifetime Welfare Eligibility Limits

“…35 Thus, our results underscore the need for policies supporting: (1) confidential, voluntary, and culturally sensitive screening and referral to programs offering both mental health and substance use services 28 ; (2) easier access to behavioral health services, particularly for employed women with greater work effort 36 ; and (3) psychoeducational interventions to reduce stigma and inform women about causes and treatments of these disorders. 37 Our finding regarding early onset of many disorders during the teenage years points to the need for primary prevention efforts directed toward women and their children. 34 These include home visiting programs for pregnant teens and new parents; crisis nurseries and respite child care; parenting classes for new mothers; preschool and after-school programs; and parent mutual support and self-help.…”

A Critical Perspective of Contemporary Unemployment Policy and Practices

“…For example, the call for greater attention to community colleges as a source of training and education, especially for marginalized populations, builds on notions from the psychology of working that have advocated for greater investment in postsecondary institutions that are community-based and accessible (Blustein, 2006, 2008). Additional research emerging from a critical analysis of unemployment may benefit programmatic efforts on the welfare-to-work programs that are increasingly common in the United States (Edwards, Rachal, & Dixon, 1999).…”

A Person‐Centered Perspective to Welfare‐to‐Work Services: In Pursuit of the Elusive and the Unattainable

“…Welfare, as a government-sponsored institution, can evoke value-laden emotions from members ofthe middle class.According to Edwards et al (1999), the welfare system has been blamed for social ills such as an elevation in the number of children born to single mothers, the loss of a universal "work ethic," and a general loss of responsibility and self-efficacy among those receiving public assistance. (pp.…”