Peer Connections
The Peer Technical Assistance Network values peer-to-peer engagement. It is part of our mission to encourage peer-to-peer sharing of information about innovative TANF programs and to generate opportunities for easy networking among TANF stakeholders. This Peer Connections section of the website is dedicated to the facilitation of these peer exchanges through an Innovative Programs section highlighting a number of successful programs dedicated to helping TANF participants achieve self-sufficiency and building relationships between and among TANF stakeholders through a comprehensive Field Connections listing.
Innovative Programs
All of the innovative programs listed here have been alphabetized. The newly added innovative programs will be featured in the What’s New section of the OFA Peer TA website homepage for the first 30 days after submission.
These innovative programs have been successful in helping Temporary Assistance for Needy Families’ participants achieve self-sufficiency and may help facilitate the creation of peer-to-peer matches between and among States. Programs listed here are currently in operation and have been updated as of August 1, 2022. You can view program profiles to learn about these innovative programs.
If you are interested in nominating your program to be included here, you can fill out the nomination form.
Field Connections
Creating opportunity to build relationships and crafting collaborative space for sharing information and peer learning is critical to the Peer TA Network’s mission. The Field Connections section has been structured for ease of use by TANF stakeholders and organized into five categories of connections: Federal Connections, State Connections, Tribal Connections, University and Research Centers, and National Associations.
Federal Connections
This listing is a directory of federal agencies that can often influence the work of TANF stakeholders, i.e., Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, and the United States Department of Agriculture. You can view the complete directory of Federal Connections.
State Connections:
This section highlights a variety of state agencies that administer self-sufficiency programs from around the country, employment programs, and supportive initiatives for low-income families. You can view the complete directory of State Connections.
Tribal Connections:
This is a listing of the nationally recognized tribal entities from around the country that administer their Tribal TANF programs. You can view the complete directory of Tribal Connections.
University and Research Centers:
This section highlights a selection of university and research centers and philanthropic organizations that conduct independent research on self-sufficiency programs, employment initiatives, low-income and working families, and child and family well-being. You can view this directory of University and Research Centers.
National Associations:
This listing highlights a number of national associations that reflect the field of self-sufficiency and workforce development. You can view this directory of National Associations.
Recently Asked Questions
A representative from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) would like to know if any other states or tribes deem virtual currency countable for TANF eligibility and if so, how are they implementing this? If VDSS were to do this, they would need to update their state program guidance to reflect how it would be countable. In addition, their state's cash management system would need to be updated to automatically convert virtual currency to US dollars when program participants indicate receipt of income with virtual currency.
A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is looking to connect with states that have implemented TANF funded 50/50 match programming for TANF eligible employment and training participants. The representative wants to know:
• How difficult was the implementation of education and training services where 50% of the cost of providing services to TANF participants is reimbursed by the state?
• What lessons were learned?