Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 6, 1995 TAG: 9504060092
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARGARET EDDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Offering the first detailed look at behind-the-scenes efforts to put the law into practice, David E. Olds predicted that the state Board of Social Services will be less draconian in setting those rules than some critics fear.
What happens to individuals who genuinely can't find work has been a major point of controversy.
"Personally, I think the intent we're trying to keep with is, if someone is doing everything they're supposed to do, we're probably not going to kick them off," said Olds, welfare reform project director for the state Department of Social Services.
A provision in the new law cutting off Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits after two years likely will kick in for those who are "not participating, not doing their part," he said.
The actual decision will be up to the Social Services Board, which probably will vote on proposed regulations at its June meeting, he said. Olds' group will recommend actions the board might take.
Olds' comments - including a warning that the plan may not be ready to take effect by the target date of July 1 - clarified some timetables, strategies and problems in turning a law passed in February into reality. The administration of Gov. George Allen has been largely mum about such details, even though Allen appeared on the Phil Donahue TV show last week to discuss the concept.
In comments Wednesday to the Virginia Alliance of Social Work Practitioners, Olds said the job of enacting welfare reform is a Herculean task that involves numerous people in the public and private employment sectors, education, day care, transportation and other fields. "Everybody has to help change," he said.
Olds acknowledged several concerns, including a fear that funding for training programs and support services eventually could dry up. Asked to evaluate long-term financial prospects, he replied: "It depends on whether you want to use a crystal ball, Ouija board or tea leaves."
The social workers raised several practical problems. Under the reform, for instance, women who have additional children while on welfare will not receive additional benefits. Nor will they be exempt from work requirements. But one social worker pointed out that it is almost impossible to find day-care services for an infant.
"That is a challenge," agreed Olds. "If we can't provide the services, we'll have to do some backpedaling."
Although the law calls for an effective date of July 1 and the administration is pushing to meet it, Olds said all the details may not be resolved by then. "Hopefully, we can get it done by Oct. 1," he said. An October starting point would mean that about 10,000 welfare recipients in the first phase of a four-year plan would be required to start working for their benefits by Jan. 1.
by CNB