Program Implementation

Tips to Implementation/Keys to Success: When implementing this type of application, it is important to bring together a broad group of stakeholders, including State staff, local staff, and TANF participants, to give feedback and contribute to the setup of the new application and the integration of questions within it. Allotting enough time for such feedback and interaction is a vital part of this process and the Nebraska team found it took longer than anticipated. By taking the extra time, they were able to truly innovate and create an application that serves both participants and staff effectively.

• Researching the applications other States are using, so as not to duplicate efforts unnecessarily;
• Bringing together a broad range of stakeholders who will use the application, including State and local Department of Health and Human Services staff and participants;
• Taking the time to pilot test application in different communities (geographic diversity, city size diversity) throughout the State to gain feedback and make improvements before a formal statewide launch; and
• Remaining flexible so the application can be revised every six months (or more often if needed) to update Federal or State guidelines and make improvements.