Family Structure and Outcomes for Children of Long-Term Welfare Recipients

Jennifer Ehrle, Urban Institute
Matthew Stagner, Urban Institute
Katherine Kortenkamp, Urban Institute

This paper addresses how family structure affects the well-being of children who grow up on welfare. While a vast accumulation of research suggests that children growing up in single-parent families experience worse outcomes than children in two-parent families, we look at four aspects of family structure that have not been widely studied and are of concern to policy makers. First, we expand on previous research looking at how particular family structure arrangements affect child outcomes. Second, we examine transitions between family structure arrangements and how these changes affect children. Third, we explore the role of non-custodial father involvement in children's lives. Finally, we look at how family environment mediates the effects of family structure on child outcomes. These findings inform forthcoming discussions around welfare reform reauthorization and initiatives to promote marriage among welfare recipients.