How to Expand Opportunity Through a Better TANF Program

This post from the Urban Institute discusses shortfalls of the TANF program and offers suggestions to make the program more successful and more effective for low-income families. The author describes how TANF policies can create disincentives and barriers to meeting the complex needs of TANF families. Rather, she suggests, federal performance measures should give states incentives to take a balanced approach to promote work, family economic stability, and child well-being. Additionally, states should have greater flexibility through reduced reporting requirements and fewer restrictions on specific client activities.