2011 TANF Directors' Technical Assistance Meeting

State TANF programs are continuing to develop and implement strategies to improve the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families as they await a full reauthorization of the program scheduled for September 30, 2011. 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 Regions V and VII convened the 2011 TANF Directors' Technical Assistance Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 28-29, 2011 to discuss the status of TANF programs and foster improved peer dialogue around practical solutions to common challenges facing TANF programs and recipients. The meeting brought together State 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 and trafficking victims, and 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.