Many of welfare reform's challenges, such as helping recipients meet work requirements, gain economic independence, and maintain family and child well-being, are especially acute in rural areas. For example, Indian reservations experience a unique intersection between tribal, state, and federal government responsibility. Other rural characteristics that pose challenges to welfare reform include:

• low population density;
• isolation and mobility disadvantages;
• scarce fiscal and human resources;
• resistance to innovation and change; and
• limited adult educational resources.