TANF Programs Response to the Pandemic

The LASER TLC focused on reimagining TANF programs to support family economic independence and mobility in a post-pandemic world. This session focused on two specific topics: using technology in service delivery; and supporting staff and participants’ mental health. LASER TLC sites explored these strategies and how to apply lessons learned to their own projects.

TANF Programs Response to the Pandemic – Illustration of four men and women pushing an arrow in an upward direction away from.

This agenda reflects key activities of the LASER TLC Collective Technical Assistance event held in April 2022.

Innovative strategies for service delivery and promoting staff and participant wellbeing: Andrea Barnum, Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, and Kataney Couamin, Philadelphia Works Inc., highlight their experiences in meeting new human services delivery challenges associated with the pandemic. The presentations were supported by the research conducted as a part of ACF supported Project Spark-Diana McCallum, Mathematica; and Michelle Derr, The Adjacent Possible.

A recording of this event is provided. https://youtu.be/ekMa4DbrEvw

This Brief, prepared on behalf of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), shares the innovations that some TANF programs designed to meet the challenges presented by the global pandemic, and provides possible next steps for other programs to use as they implement change.

Strategies for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Leaders Brief: This Brief, prepared on behalf of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) provides examples on changes made in the TANF field to support the mental health of TANF staff and participants.