About Us
The State and Tribal Technical Assistance and Resources (STAR) website facilitates the exchange of knowledge, resources, and practical strategies among state, Tribal, and local agencies that administer the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It also supports agencies in meeting compliance requirements while advancing the four federally defined purposes of TANF: (1) providing assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (2) ending the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; (3) preventing and reducing the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and (4) encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
The TANF statute and regulations serve as the foundation for all resources, ensuring that every guide, tool, and training reflects federal requirements and program intent. This alignment helps program administrators, practitioners, and policymakers implement TANF programs effectively, maintain compliance, and make informed decisions that support families across all communities.
Our Mission
One of STAR’s goals is to establish linkages among TANF agencies and their partners serving TANF and low-income families at the state, county, local, and tribal level. The STAR website acts as a dissemination and communications vehicle, supporting the provision of technical assistance and compliance support, facilitating a dialogue among organizations serving TANF and low-income families, and helping organizations learn about innovative programs and the latest research around effective strategies to strengthen TANF and low-income families for economic mobility.
Contact Us
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
Administration for Children and Families
The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities through a range of educational and supportive programs in partnership with states, tribes, and community organizations. The mission of ACF is to foster health and well-being by providing federal leadership, partnership and resources for the compassionate and effective delivery of human services. Read more about the values and priorities of ACF on ACF Vision, Mission, Values, Priorities, & Guiding Principles.
Office of Family Assistance
The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) strengthens families by promoting the dignity of work, supporting marriage, and safeguarding the integrity of public benefits. OFA works with states, territories, and tribes to ensure that assistance is work-oriented, time-limited, and rooted in personal responsibility, allowing families to build lasting independence from government programs. While welfare can offer temporary support, no government program can substitute for the dignifying power of work or the loving support of a strong family. These are the foundations on which people grow, communities flourish, and future generations prosper. The priorities of OFA include:
- Promoting the Dignity of Work and Pathways to Independence;
- Strengthening the Institution of Marriage; and
- Upholding Program Integrity.