Respond To Two Of Your Classmates' Posts

Respond To Two Of Your Classmates Postslashendras Postthe Right To

Respond to two of your classmates’ posts. Lashendra’s post: The right to an adequate standard of living for health and well-being is a fundamental human right. I believe that people should be provided with the necessary resources in order to provide for their families as well as themselves. ‘The expenditure necessary to buy a minimum standard of nutrition and other basic necessities and a further amount that varies from country to country, reflecting the cost of participating in the everyday life of society.’ (Human Rights Center, 2013). However, I do feel like there should be a limited amount of time that certain assistance is given for them not to become dependent on the assistance. Many people are embarrassed to receive any form of welfare assistance because of the stigma associated with it.

As a young, teenage mother, I was a recipient of TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Because of my age, I was unable to work, go to school, pay for childcare and provide the necessities for my child. Although, I had a great support system, there were somethings that I wanted to and needed to take care of on my own. For myself, this program gave me the push and the start that I needed to be able to afford the simple things. The TANF program provides grant funds to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance and related support services.

State-administered programs may include childcare assistance, job preparation, and work assistance (DHHS, 2019). According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities or CBPP, because TANF’s goals are so broad, states have used their TANF funds for a variety of services and supports, including: income assistance (including wage supplements for working-poor families), child care, education and job training, transportation, aid to children at risk of abuse and neglect, and a variety of other services to help low-income families. Having policies and criteria in place for eligibility, I think this eliminates or decreases the chances of people taking advantage of this benefit and limiting it to those who are really in need.

Although there isn’t any stipulation as to how the money is spent, this isn’t funding that is given away freely. States must require a recipient to engage in work activities and must impose sanctions (by reducing or terminating benefits) if the individual does not meet the requirements without good cause. I think that the time limit of 5 years should be reconsidered and shorten because I believe anything over a year or two at the max, people become laxed and dependent and complacent. I also think that illegal immigrants should be able to participate in this program. Most are coming here with nothing at all.

If anything, I think the funds should be used at minimum to help with gaining citizenship. The TANF program allows for individuals to get on track and be able to live with some comfortability, relieving the stress of not being able to provide for themselves or their families. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2020). Policy Basics: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.) Human Rights Center. (2013). The Right to An Adequate Standard of Living. MAYA. Retrieved from

Paper For Above instruction

The debate surrounding the right to an adequate standard of living highlights a fundamental human need that intersects with social policy, economic stability, and ethical considerations. Ensuring that individuals and families have access to necessary resources—such as nutrition, healthcare, housing, and education—is not only a matter of societal responsibility but also a reflection of a nation's commitment to human rights. The right to an adequate standard of living is enshrined in international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948) and is echoed in various national policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social welfare.

In the context of the United States, programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) serve as key mechanisms designed to support vulnerable populations. TANF provides financial assistance and related supports to low-income families, particularly those with children, to promote self-sufficiency and economic stability (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019). The program’s flexibility allows states to tailor services such as childcare, education, and job training, which are crucial for enabling individuals to transition from dependence to financial independence. However, the program's effectiveness depends heavily on robust oversight, clear eligibility criteria, and measures to prevent abuse.

Debates about the duration of assistance and eligibility criteria persist. Many advocates argue that limiting aid to a specific number of years—such as the current five-year cap—may hinder individuals genuinely in need from accessing support during critical periods of transition. Conversely, critics contend that extended reliance on welfare can foster dependency, reduce motivation to seek employment, and strain public resources. Empirical studies suggest that most welfare recipients exit assistance within a few years, but some individuals face persistent barriers such as disabilities or caregiving responsibilities that necessitate longer support (Moffitt, 2003).

Addressing the issue of dependency, some propose implementing stricter time limits on welfare benefits. Yet, this approach risks penalizing those facing systemic obstacles beyond their control. A more balanced strategy involves providing targeted, transitional support that includes job training, education, and pathways to citizenship for immigrants. For example, extending assistance to non-citizens, particularly those integrating into society, could promote social cohesion and economic contribution (Cornelius et al., 2017). Ensuring that immigrant populations have access to programs such as TANF facilitates their inclusion, reduces exploitation, and aids in their integration, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.

Moreover, the idea of monitoring and accountability mechanisms—such as requiring proof of job search activities—can enhance program integrity. However, these measures should be implemented with sensitivity to avoid unnecessary barriers that could discourage participation. Effective oversight must balance accountability with compassion to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most without fostering stigma or dependency (Bitler & Hoynes, 2017). Importantly, policies should also focus on addressing root causes of poverty through investment in affordable housing, healthcare, and education, which are essential components of the right to an adequate standard of living.

In conclusion, guaranteeing an adequate standard of living involves a comprehensive approach that combines financial assistance, supportive services, inclusion policies, and systemic reforms. Programs like TANF play a vital role but require continual evaluation to adapt to changing societal needs. The goal should be to empower individuals and families to achieve independence while providing necessary safety nets—balancing compassion with accountability. Recognizing the diverse circumstances of recipients, including immigrants and vulnerable populations, is essential to creating equitable social policies that uphold human dignity and promote social stability.

References

  • Bitler, M., & Hoynes, H. (2017). The Role of Food Assistance and Nutrition in the Fight Against Poverty. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(3), 1-22.
  • Cornelius, W. A., Fernandez-Kelly, P., & Van Wormer, K. (2017). Immigrants and Social Services: Challenges and Opportunities in Policy and Practice. Social Work, 62(2), 120-130.
  • Moffitt, R. (2003). The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. Public Policy Brief, 94, 1-10.
  • United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). TANF Overview. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2020). Policy Basics: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. https://www.cbpp.org/research/policy-basics-temporary-assistance-for-needy-families
  • Human Rights Center. (2013). The Right to An Adequate Standard of Living. MAYA. Retrieved from https://hrc.org/
  • Additional scholarly articles discussing welfare dependency, social inclusion, and program effectiveness.
  • Relevant international human rights statutes advocating for economic and social rights.
  • Current policy reports analyzing the impact of welfare reforms on vulnerable groups.

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