Implementation of Brazil's Family Allowance Program: experiences at São Francisco de Itabapoana and Duque de Caxias

This paper discuss the findings of a study examining the Implementation of Brazil's Family Allowance Program in Rio de Janeiro at São Francisco de Itabapoana and Duque de Caxias, conducted in 2004 - 2005 with the support of the Brazilian Science and Technology Research and Development Council (CNPq) and collaboration among ENSP-FIOCRUZ, UFF and UERJ. Its purpose is to analyze this implementation process and local management practices, identifying the main contours of this program. An examination of its political and institutional dynamics, accountability mechanisms, intersectoral arenas, investments in healthcare and education, and intergovernmental arrangements helps outline some of the conflicts, tensions and challenges associated with conditional cash transfers as a core policy in the battle against poverty and social inequalities.