Single mothers' preparedness for work after Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Tennessee: A qualitative generic study

Many working single mothers formerly on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program face barriers to employment that colligate to attainment, job acquirements training, health problems, insufficient childcare and transportation problems. The goal of this study was to explore the lived experiences of how TANF job skills training effectively or ineffectively prepared the single mothers for the job market. The main research question was: What are the lived experiences of single mothers who have participated in TANF training programs? The qualitative generic study explored how 10 single mothers living in Tennessee described their experiences of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the TANF program and TANF job skills training. The results of the study captured themes that related to education attainment, training expectations, job preparation, childcare, family services counseling, helpful learning, and hindrances to learning, skills improvement, program experience, program recommendations, time management, helpful resources, organization and introspection. The findings of this study may help social workers advocate for policies that will help single mothers rise above the realm of poverty by focusing on jobs that provide higher pay and better benefits.