I did substitute teaching in the city and about half the kids were welfare children. I know of several kids who were getting ready to become 4th generation welfare people. They looked forward to the first of the month because that was payday.
I used to teach next door to Desire project in New Orleans and ALL my kids were in the welfare trap.Most HATED it and wanted to escape mama's life of poverty.
Many did get out.I know some that never took a welfare check after high school.Working their behinds off.
On the downside,many of the young men are dead or in jail.Lots of the girls fell into "the baby trap"and ended up just like moms.