Why should Welfare /Head Start agencies collaborate?
Head Start grantees throughout the country have been using a variety of services and resources to meet the increased needs of low-income parents, many of whom are welfare recipients. In the past several years, we have seen considerable overlap between the goals, populations, and services of Head Start and those of other programs. In fact, nearly one-half of the families whose children are enrolled in Head Start also receive welfare benefits and are, therefore, potential participants in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) program. With the Family Support Act of 1988, which established the JOBS program, the focus of the welfare agency began to shift, helping welfare recipients become employed and move toward self-sufficiency while providing needed cash assistance on a temporary basis. With increasing JOBS participation requirements and anticipated Welfare Reform, more Head Start parents will be required to participate in JOBS. Thus, the development of strong JOBS and H
