2011 Innovative Solutions Workshop

State TANF programs are continuing to develop and implement strategies to improve the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families as the programs await reauthorization. From improving outreach and engagement of eligible refugees and immigrants to successfully utilizing data to effectively make programmatic decisions, these programs are finding innovative ways to maximize resources to meet the needs of increasing families in need. The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance Region IX convened the 2011 Innovative Solutions Workshop in San Francisco, California on September 21-22, 2011 to discuss the status of TANF programs and foster improved peer dialogue around practical solutions to common challenges facing TANF programs and participants. The meeting brought together State and Territory TANF directors and program staff to strategize on ways to move low-income and working families closer to economic self-sufficiency while providing important input on the development of new TANF legislation. Specific topics included improving service delivery for domestic violence survivors, career pathways for low-income workers, asset development strategies to improve long-term economic development, maximizing TANF funds, policy/program innovations for streamlining services, and using data to influence program development and service delivery.