Welfare Reform and Children

I am writing in response to “Children’s Advocacy Groups Blast Wilson’s Plan” (Jan. 10). In the article, the children’s coalition representatives charge that cutting Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) spending will result in more children being placed in foster care.

This is a false claim that only serves to confuse the public’s perception of the welfare and foster care system. We have not seen any evidence showing a direct link between levels of public aid and the incidence of out-of-home placement. Children cannot be removed from the family simply because of lack of income, or even lack of shelter. A child is removed from the home if the parents have inflicted or there is a risk that they will inflict serious physical harm or if the parents have willfully neglected the child’s needs.

Children’s advocates have criticized Wilson’s welfare reform proposal as harmful to children. What they are not saying is that an AFDC family will not see any reduction in the monthly family income when the grant is reduced if the parent works approximately six hours a week.

If allowed to continue without reform, California’s entitlement programs will bankrupt the state. More important, the current welfare system provides more incentive to remain dependent on public aid than to return to the work force and self-sufficiency. The governor’s welfare reform proposal is based on the fundamental principle of mutual obligation. That is, the government has an obligation to provide assistance to people in temporary trouble, but able-bodied AFDC recipients have an obligation to participate in employment and training programs in order to return to the work force as soon as possible.

In times of financial hardship, organizations--whether that be a family, a business, or government--are forced to set priorities. Wilson believes that California’s priorities must be in programs that are preventive, not remedial. Therefore, investing in children’s health programs and education makes sense. Nonstop spending on public aid programs, which promote dependency and rob individuals of their self-esteem, does not.

RUSSELL S. GOULD

Secretary of Health and Welfare Agency

Sacramento