March 2000

Dear Reader:

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides the Welfare Closure Study A study of All AFDC and W-2 Closures (September 1997 Through September 1999) for your review.

This is a comprehensive study of the first two years of the W-2 program. The study used administrative data and examined every closure that occurred during this time period. This report shows that the majority of people who have left welfare since the inception of W-2 did so because of employment or other income. This hard data supports the fact that W-2 has been successful in moving families to self-sufficiency.

The study shows the importance of employment coupled with tax credits and supportive services. These have always been an essential part of W-2 and will continue to be as we meet the challenge to provide the additional services needed to ensure that these families remain employed and have an opportunity to advance in the workplace.

We are proud to be a part of this innovative and successful program. The decade of work that led to this program has enabled us to provide better service to the citizens of Wisconsin. Our W-2 agencies are doing a good job of focusing on employment, on providing supportive services and on striving to keep people in jobs. Together, we will continue to help Wisconsin?s families.

Sincerely,

Linda Stewart, Ph.D.

Secretary