Strengthening Integrity in Child Care Subsidy Programs: Addressing Fraud Risk Through Design, Not Disruption

Childcare support is a key piece of how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs help parents work, attend training, and stay on track toward stability. But increased attention on fraud and improper payments can create pressure to tighten rules in ways that may unintentionally limit access. The American Public Human Services Association will host a webinar on June 4, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET that will focus on how better system design can prevent issues before they happen, rather than reacting after the fact.

The webinar will walk through where childcare subsidy breakdowns typically occur, such as in eligibility, attendance tracking, or payment processes, and shows how aligning these pieces can reduce errors without adding extra steps for staff or families. For TANF practitioners, this helps address a common challenge: maintaining program integrity while keeping services accessible and manageable. It points to practical ways to build safeguards directly into everyday workflows.

By understanding that many issues stem from system gaps rather than individual behavior, TANF staff can use this resource to strengthen oversight in a way that supports both accountability and access—helping ensure families continue receiving the childcare support they need to stay employed.