Many State TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) programs identify literacy services as a critical program component to provide participants. However, as most States experience budget shortfalls and are pressured to focus on job placement…

The Welfare Peer TA Network held a one-day training on December 9, 2011 for the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency in Shelton, Washington. The training entitled, “Reviving the Vision of Cultural Values and Compassion in Client Services,”…

August 22, 2011 marked the 15th anniversary of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program which was passed in an effort to “end welfare as we know it.” Although TANF cash assistance caseloads have fallen dramatically over the past…

The Minnesota Department of Human Services' internal workgroup to address the needs of Minnesota teen (minors and 18-19, year-olds) parents on TANF submitted a TA Request to the Welfare Peer TA (WPTA) Network. The Minnesota team's Request…

On October 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance (OFA) convened an orientation meeting in Washington, D.C. for the Promising Pathways Initiative. The…

In recent times, in part due to the economic recession, a focus on accountability and performance measurement has become more important across government agencies and programs. State and local Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)…

The 2011 Annual Region X Tribal TANF Conference was held in Tulalip, Washington at the Tulalip Resort from September 27-29, 2011. The Conference provided Tribal TANF programs from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington an opportunity to discuss…

The Welfare Peer TA Network recently presented at the Office of Refugee Resettlement 2011 National Consultation in Washington, DC. The session entitled, “Collaborative Pathways to Self-Sufficiency for Refugees”, highlighted TANF and ORR Promising…

State TANF programs are continuing to develop and implement strategies to improve the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families as the programs await reauthorization. From improving outreach and engagement of eligible refugees and…

The Region IX Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance convened a meeting for the Region IX Tribal TANF grantees in California and Nevada from September 26-27, 2011. The meeting, the second of two, provided TANF…