Fatherhood
Although there is a growing interest in programs to support fathers such as a child support income tax credit and more work supports, more research continues to be needed to indicate how these programs might help fathers and their families.
Incarceration and Prisoner Reentry
Marriage
The fourth goal of PRWORA emphasizes provisions to promote marriage, reduce out-of-wedlock childbearing, and encourage parental responsibility for their children. Much focus has been placed on the goal of marriage promotion, and while some research is available to guide future programs, more research is needed to study effects of initiatives on low-income populations.
Unmarried Births
Recent census reports indicate that out-of-wedlock births among teens are declining. More research is needed to identify which welfare-related programs and policies can deepen these trends.