Field Connections / Contact Information
November, 2021
Presentation
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA) conducted the 2021 National TANF Directors’ Meeting from September 20 - 24, 2021. During this concurrent session, key findings from OFA’s literature review that explored race equity and TANF were discussed. Participants also learned how Washington State used data to uncover disproportionality in one aspect of TANF service provision and took steps to address these disparities.
(From Racial Equity and TANF Programs Track)
September, 2021
Webinar / Webcast
The National Association of Counties will host a webinar on August 4, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET to discuss how state and local leaders can leverage American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as part of their COVID-19 recovery plans to support the needs of infants, toddlers, and their families. The new ARPA funding provides an opportunity for collaborations across levels of government to maximize efficiency and return on investment. Representatives from Washington State, Skagit County, and the city of Seattle will make presentations.
August, 2021
Webinar / Webcast
In partnership with the Office of Early Childhood Development, the Office of Family Assistance will host an interactive webinar on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. TANF staff and participants will discuss their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the innovative tools and practices they will use to help support themselves and their children during the next stage. Through the webinar registration process, registrants can offer insight and tools that they have used to navigate parenting during COVID-19, as well as post questions for the panelists.
May, 2021
Question / Response(s)
A representative from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) notes that in 2013, ACF clarified that TANF funds could be used to provide access to computers and the internet for needy parents (see https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/resource/q-a-use-of-funds?page=2).
August, 2020
Webinar / Webcast
The National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics (NAWRS) held the first session of the NAWRS 2020 Virtual Workshop Series on April 29, 2020. This session brought together four state TANF representatives from Alabama, Colorado, Vermont, and Washington State to discuss TANF programs and the persons they serve. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the panelists discussed changes in caseloads and policy changes, the transition to a virtual environment for operations and service delivery, and the key challenges that TANF clients now face.
April, 2020
Research-To-Practice Brief
This research-to-practice brief profiles a needs assessment of TANF child-only cases undertaken as part of the Office of Family Assistance’s Assisting Special Populations to Improve Readiness and Engagement (ASPIRE) project. Researchers first conducted a literature search and then select interviews with state and local TANF agency officials in California, Idaho, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington State.
April, 2020
Stakeholder Resource
This case statement highlights the American Job Center and its WIOA affiliates (called WorkSource) in the Pacific Mountain Workforce Region of Washington (PacMtn). In collaboration with state agencies and community partners, WorkSource offers three program tracks—work ready, work support, and education—to TANF customers based on their level of work readiness. Program staff also take a client-centered, integrated service delivery approach to address the needs of high-barrier customers.
August, 2019
Stakeholder Resource
This case statement highlights the collaboration between American Job Centers (called WorkSource) and TANF agencies in Spokane, Washington. WorkSource and partners have restructured staffing, resource allocation, and approaches to workforce development services with a customer-centered design. Leaders are also investing in organizational change through staff training, cross-program communication, and building support among staff at all levels.
June, 2019