State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Case Studies: Summary of Innovative Programs Serving People with Low Income
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State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Case Studies: Summary of Innovative Programs Serving People with Low Income

Published: Sep 02, 2021
Publisher: Mathematica
Human Services Family Support TANF and Employment Issues Employment Training and Re-employment Federal
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Associated Project

State Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Case Studies

Time frame: 2018-2021

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation

Clients
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Authors

Katie Eddins

Linda Rosenberg

Sharika Rakibullah

Key Findings
  • Each program predominantly uses one of four main approaches examined in this study to serve people with low incomes: (1) providing wraparound supports, (2) providing full-family transitional housing and supports, (3) delivering employment-based interventions, and (4) building collaborative community initiatives.
  • Three different types of entities operate the nine case study programs: (1) community-based organizations operate six programs, (2) government agencies operates two programs, and (3) a center of a state university under contract to a state TANF agency operates one program.
  • The nine programs operate across the United States; six are locally focused, serving a city or county; and three operate statewide.

The State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Case Studies project is designed to expand the knowledge base on innovative approaches to help people with low incomes, including TANF recipients, prepare for and engage in work and increase their overall stability. Mathematica and its subcontractor, MEF Associates, were contracted by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to develop descriptive case studies of nine innovative state and local programs. The programs were chosen through a scan of the field and discussions with stakeholders. TANF practitioners and staff of other programs can learn about innovative practices to support employment. The studies also can expand policymakers’ and researchers’ understanding of programs that support people’s success in work and highlight innovative practices for future research. The project took place from September 2018 through September 2021.

The nine featured programs are:

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