In the 1980's, reformers are more worried about long-term dependency; most now propose "workfare" and other steps to move recipients toward self-sufficiency.

It is unknown whether the same approach would work as well for women of other ethnic groups or women more accustomed to long-term dependency on welfare benefits.

The system commits young mothers and babies to long-term dependency.

ANA provides community-based project funding to improve the lives of native children and families thereby reducing long-term dependency on public assistance.

Such a system, he says, creates intense bitterness, discourages the work ethic and encourages an unhealthy long-term dependency on Government benefits.

"We - and I mean the global we, the country - do not know how to bring down long-term dependency," she said.

It claims to target the young, poorly educated welfare recipients who are the likeliest candidates for long-term dependency.

Conservatives complained about long-term dependency, while liberals insisted that most recipients left the rolls in two years.

It focused first on people entering the public-assistance system, with the intention of having them start work as quickly as possible, to prevent long-term dependency.

The welfare initiatives in Washington are intended to help welfare recipients get the education and training they need to avoid long-term dependency.