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Major welfare reforms in Illinois began with Earnfare in 1992. This program was followed by Fresh Start and Work Pays in 1993, Work and Responsibility in 1995, and Work First in 1996. These past programs provided the State with a start towards welfare reform and helped ease the transition from AFDC to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The TANF program is the title of Illinois' new welfare reform program that took effect after President Clinton signed into law the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
Illinois' TANF program essentially mirrors the federal program. The state ends AFDC as an entitlement, limits the number of years a client can receive welfare benefits, and places emphasis on moving clients from welfare and into jobs. The federal changes were implemented in Illinois on July 1, 1997.
Illinois' current welfare reform program consists of several initiatives to assist individuals with support services. These are primarily aimed at helping former recipients of AFDC find and maintain employment. TANF, which provides families with monthly cash grants and medical care, is the center of all initiatives.
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