Effects of Maternal Employment and Receiving Welfare on Family Outcomes among Low-Income Families

Abstract

This study investigated how maternal employment and welfare-receipt were associated with family outcomes, using data from the Infant Health and Development Program (IHDP). This study looked at mothers and children among low-income families who received welfare and/or were employed during the first 3 years of the child's life. Mothers whose incomes were from welfare only had lower outcomes than mothers who earned some or all their income from employment. Those in the intervention groups receiving enrichment services had more positive outcomes than those of the group with only follow-up. The findings suggest that maternal employment for low-income families should be encouraged when mothers are ready to participate in employment and when support systems such as quality child care are provided.