Improving program engagement of TANF families: Understanding participation and those with reported zero hours of participation in work activities

According to the congressionally required reports on engagement (ROEs), based on two reporting periods—March 2011 and an average month during April and June 2011, and federal work participation data, more than half of work-eligible individuals (WEIs) in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program reported zero hours of participation in work or work-related activities (U.S. DHHS 2012, 2011). This descriptive study, conducted on behalf of the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) by Mathematica Policy Research and its partners, describes the programmatic reasons that, within the current TANF environment, may influence the numbers of WEIs or families with reported zero hours of participation, and promising strategies that state and local TANF agencies are using to encourage client engagement. Data collection included: telephone interviews with TANF administrators in 30 states, and site visits to 11 communities in 8 states, including a document review. This study describes nine factors gleaned from communication with TANF administrators and direct service staff that appear to affect the number of families reported to have zero hours. It also highlights a variety of state strategies for increasing engagement by improving policies and procedures, strengthening service delivery and performance management, and streamlining initial activities and ongoing transitions between activities. (author overview)