CLIPBOARD : Aid to Families Grows

During the period 1989-90, the number of cases receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) increased dramatically in Orange County, compared to neighboring counties and the rest of California. Although there are, in actual numbers, more AFDC recipients in four of the five other Southern California urbanized counties, Orange County’s caseload increased at a much higher rate--16%. In the region, only San Bernardino had a double-digit increase as well. Along with food stamps, Medi-Cal and general relief, AFDC is one of four basic kinds of financial assistance. Here’s the comparison, showing monthly averages:

1988-89 1989-5/90 % Increase Orange County 14,962 17,380 +16 San Bernardino County 34,068 37,306 +10 Riverside County 18,961 20,543 +8 San Diego County 39,545 42,046 +6 Los Angeles County 179,672 186,746 +4 Ventura County 6,179 6,330 +2 Remainder of state * 235,114 248,327 +6 STATEWIDE 528,500 558,728 +6

* All counties except Orange and five other Southern California counties

Source: Orange County Social Services Agency