1. TANF
(What is it?)
TANF = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
The four purposes of TANF are:
• assisting needy families so that children can be cared for in their
own homes;
• reducing the dependency of needy parents by promoting job
preparation, work and marriage;
• preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and
• encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent
families.
The Basic Facts:
- $16.6 Billion Block Grant, frozen since 1996: Interesting fact;
real value has fallen roughly 30%.
- Uses include: Cash Assistance, Child Care Services,
Administration and other specialized child-based services
(flexibility)
- Time Limited
- Work/Training Requirements
- Focuses on Long Term Self-Sufficiency
What Does It All Mean?
- Reasonably Ensuring a Financial Safety Net for Children
- Often the Last Resort for Families in Need
- A “Connector” to Other Critically Important Social Services
- A “Bridge” to Help Families Transition to a Better Life
- Cookie Cutter Case Management Approaches Will Surely Result
in Failure

2. A Few Web Sites Worth Checking Out:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/tanf/about.html
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=936
http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/abbrev/afdc-tanf.htm