What is one of the main objectives of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)?

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) primarily aims to promote jobs and reduce dependency on welfare. This act was enacted in 1996 and restructured the welfare system by emphasizing employment and personal responsibility. It introduced measures that encouraged individuals to seek work and become self-sufficient rather than relying on government assistance.

The focus on promoting jobs is evident in various provisions of the act, including the establishment of work requirements for recipients of assistance programs and the implementation of time limits on welfare benefits. This approach was designed to foster a culture of independence and reduce long-term reliance on public aid.

By stressing job preparation and placement, PRWORA sought not only to lessen welfare dependency but also to promote economic self-sufficiency among low-income families. This underscores the importance of work in the overarching goals of welfare reform as outlined in the act.