Study by Tom McLaughlin cited in Journal Tribune editorial on welfare reform

A study conducted by UNE Professor of Social Work Thomas Chalmers McLaughlin, Ph.D.,and Sandra Butler, professor of social work at the University of Maine at Orono, has become central to the debate over Gov. Paul LePage's call for the reform of the state's welfare system.

On March 8, 2011 a Journal Tribune (Biddeford) editorial cited the researchers' study of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in Maine, which found a strong work history among recipients, despite many obstacles that limit their opportunities.

The article explains that the study found "that families seek assistance for three main reasons: An inability to find or keep a good job, health problems limiting the ability to work, or a family crisis such as divorce or domestic violence. Among those surveyed, the median length of time receiving assistance was 18 months."

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The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.