Tips for Mobilizing Data to Advance Race Equity in TANF

In support of the Office of Family Assistance’s exploration of the role of race equity in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) and BLH Technologies, Inc. (BLH), convened a series of small group meetings to 1) explore policy and practice questions about TANF and race equity and 2) identify opportunities for future research and development of practice tools. Guided by a Technical Working Group consisting of state-level representation from 19 states and representatives from counties in four states, the meetings respectively included state-level TANF administrators; county staff, trainers, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion leads; executive-level state and local human services representatives; community-based organizations; and current or former recipients of TANF cash assistance and services.

APHSA and BLH also conducted two Learning Cohorts for TANF administrators focused on (1) supporting the design of staff development and training that promotes race equity within TANF programs and (2) mobilizing data to advance race equity in TANF programs. To share the extensive feedback, resources and insight gained from these initiatives, APHSA and BLH created a series of knowledge products related to TANF programs and advancing race equity via data, staff development, and training. These products include the Tips for Mobilizing Data to Advance Race Equity in TANF infographic, which provides helpful tips and resources for TANF administrators and staff to approach data use in a manner that helps them understand and promote race equity within their programs.