What is welfare? When you hear the word “welfare,” do you picture images of individuals who are facing hard times? While there is more than one type of social program available in the United States to those who need it, social welfare programs like TANF provide assistance to families in need through government tax revenues. Programs like these are often referred to as “public assistance” or “means-tested programs.” These programs have eligibility criteria that are based on the individual’s or the family’s household income and assets. Do these types of programs exist in your state or region? If so, what are the criteria? If you encountered a client like Eboni Logan, from the Logan Family video, who soon will become a mother, how might you best assist her in obtaining benefits from these types of programs?

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources, including the Logan Family video case. Consider the means-tested programs that might be available to her in your state or region. Then, think about the likely long-term outcomes for Eboni and her child, if she chooses to parent. Finally, reflect on the state welfare policies that might help her manage the responsibilities of parenthood.

By Day 3

Post a brief explanation of the means-tested programs that might be available to Eboni. Be sure your answer is specific to the means-tested programs available in your state or region. Then, explain the potential long-term outcomes for Eboni and her child, if she chooses to parent. Finally, explain the state public assistance policies that might help Eboni manage the responsibilities of parenthood.

Logan Family Episode 4

Logan Family Episode 4
Program Transcript

FEMALE SPEAKER: Ebony and I have been talking about what’s been going on.
And I know she’s been getting your differences of opinion. So I thought it would
be a good idea for us all to meet and talk about her choices and the implication of
those choices.

MRS. JOHNSON: You are the reason we are here. Maybe you’d like to go first.
What choices you think you have? I’ll tell you what choices you don’t have. You
have this baby, and you want me to take care of it. I can’t afford it. I am done
raising kids.

FEMALE SPEAKER: Mrs. Johnson–

MRS. JOHNSON: No, you want to talk about choices. So let’s talk about choices.
You don’t have any but to not have that baby. That’s what I think. Where are you
going to live? Because we are not going to have another baby in my house.

FEMALE SPEAKER: Mrs. Johnson–

MRS. JOHNSON: And where do you think you’re going to get the services that
you need? When I was pregnant with you I was on Medicaid. But it was nothing,
and it only lasts a few months. Men tell you what they want. But when it comes to
children, women do the raising, the worrying, making ends meet. Listen to your
mother. Get an abortion.

EBONY: I don’t know.

MRS. JOHNSON: An abortion is a hell of a lot cheaper than it’s going to be to
work 16 years to feed and clothe and raise that child, Ebony.

EBONY: Will you stop talking about money? It’s a baby, and it’s in me. It’s my
choice. And I don’t know what to do.

MRS. JOHNSON: You’re right. It’s your choice. I just don’t want you to end up
like me, be a single mom at your age, just like my own mother was. I want you
have all the things I didn’t get, college, a good job, that’s all. I just want you to
have better.

Logan Family Episode 4
Additional Content Attribution

MUSIC:

©2013 Laureate Education, Inc. 1

Logan Family Episode 4

Music by Clean Cuts

Original Art and Photography Provided By:
Brian Kline and Nico Danks

©2013 Laureate Education, Inc. 2