A “City” of Success: Welfare Reform Lifts
1 Million Black Children Out of Poverty

About one million black children--roughly the entire population of Dallas or Detroit or San Diego--are no longer in poverty because of welfare reform.

It’s been almost seven years since welfare reform has been enacted and economic conditions have improved dramatically for America’s poorest families. Welfare rolls have plummeted. More single mothers are working. And fewer children in America go hungry.

But the most striking result has been the effect of welfare reform on black children. For the 25 years before welfare reform, the percentage of black children living in poverty remained virtually unchanged. But since welfare reform, the poverty rate among black children has dropped from 41.5 percent in 1995 to 32.1 percent in 2002.

In other words, the black child poverty rate is at its lowest point in U.S. history. Building on welfare reform could help more black children escape the pit of poverty.

But unless work requirements are strengthened in the reauthorization of welfare reform this year, many families with children will remain in poverty because they will not be engaged in activities that lead to self-sufficiency. Among poor families--particularly black poor families--relatively few parents work full or even part time.

A strong work requirement in the welfare reauthorization process can help families achieve and maintain independence – and keep black children in America from falling back into poverty.

Welfare Watch is a regular e-mail update designed to inform the Senate's reauthorization of welfare reform. The 1996 welfare reform law has been a dramatic success, moving welfare dependents to independence, reducing child poverty and increasing employment. Yet the full potential of this reform has not been realized. The House of Representatives has already acted to advance welfare reform. The Senate must take action this year to ensure that welfare reform is sustained and strengthened.

Click here to enter the Welfare and Marriage Briefing Room for additional welfare research

Key Papers

Despite Recession, Black Child Poverty Plunges to All-Time Historic Low

Sharp Reduction in Black Child Poverty Due to Welfare Reform

Robert Rector: Senior Research Fellow
Melissa Pardue: Social Welfare Policy Analyst
Jennifer Marshall: Director

To arrange a welfare policy briefing, please contact Tripp Baird at (202) 608-6070.

For more information or to receive an e-mail version of "Welfare Watch,” please call Heritage Government Relations at (202) 608-6062.

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