PRWORA and Social Work: Changes in the Social Worker/Client Relationship

Abstract

The 1996 welfare reform law, Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), alters the nature of welfare and in turn, the nature of service provision. The general attitude of service provision changes dramatically from an aid-based program, requiring little of those who receive, to a temporary assistance program, requiring much of social workers and clients alike. Furthermore, this alteration in the attitude of welfare dramatically alters the way in which service providers and their clients relate with one another. It also changes the manner in which the social worker morally views his/her client. Although not all changes in the relationship are positive, the new attitude has the potential to greatly improve the relationship. Examining the changes in the client/social worker relationship, as well as the manners in which services are provided is a necessary component in determining the successes of PRWORA. [From introductory section]