This Journal of Economics and Political Economy study applies the multidimensional digital inequality framework to analyze the complex ways in which digital access varies among low-income populations. This research specifically examines the results of digital skills training for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits and how it shapes their Internet use as well as returns of use. The research shows the importance of the multidimensional nature of digital inequality, focusing on how access and use of digital technologies varies among individuals with formal digital literacy skills training. Findings from the research offer insight into the need for additional technological investments and multistakeholder engagement.

State and local leaders at Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) agencies have been increasingly focused on using administrative data from TANF and other agencies to better assess how well programs are working, inform policies and practices, and improve the lives of families with low incomes. Economic mobility through employment retention and advancement is of particular interest to TANF leaders, but administrative data on TANF recipients’ earnings are often difficult to access except for the purpose of investigating noncompliance. This MDRC toolkit was created to help TANF professionals develop more robust, data-driven practices using administrative data on earnings.

All states may choose to allocate a portion of their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dollars to support fatherhood work. Despite this funding opportunity, very few states have taken advantage of it. States may have other priorities for the use of their TANF dollars, decision makers may not be aware of all the benefits of father involvement for child wellbeing, or TANF program leaders may have limited knowledge about the components of fatherhood programs and how to start/maintain fatherhood programming. This National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse spotlight demystifies the process for using TANF funds to support fatherhood programming and looks at how Ohio has used their state TANF funds to support father-related services through the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF). The spotlight details the history of how OCF was established, how it works to meet four specific goals, and how its work throughout the state addresses two of the four purposes of the TANF legislation.

March is Women’s History Month and this Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) resource highlights women’s roles in human services programs and shares OPRE’s projects that are helping to build evidence on the human services workforce. The resource includes early care and education, home visiting, head start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposes critical investments and policy changes to continue building on ACF’s success in delivering human services that are equitable, focused on prevention, and centered on child and family well-being. The ACF request for $91.8 billion would increase child and family safety and well-being; strengthen the early childhood sector to meet the needs of children and families; build economic stability; create greater opportunity for youth, young adults, and young parents; fulfill our nation-to-nation commitment to tribes; provide support for refugees and unaccompanied children; and ensure communities are resilient in the face of disasters.

Detailed information about ACF’s budget request is available in the HHS FY2025 Budget in Brief beginning on page 128 and in Congressional Justification.

ACF is hosted a virtual event on March 19, 2024  to discuss ACF’s priorities and highlights from the FY2025 budget.

Registration for this event is closed.

Government agencies collect administrative data in their day-to-day activities, primarily to support program operations. This information is used less often as a research tool or fully harnessed for its evidence-building potential. ACF’s TANF Data Innovation (TDI) project supported innovation and efficiency within the TANF program by expanding its use of its administrative data. This Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation brief describes TDI’s efforts to transform federal TANF and employment data into an integrated resource for program management and evidence building.

When TANF and related programs gather and use input from the families they serve, they are better able to understand challenges and identify opportunities for change to improve how they serve families. This video series was developed by Project IMPROVE and the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation’s (OPRE) Moving Forward: Family Input Study and consists of three short videos on why and how to use family input to improve programs. The videos feature interviews with five TANF and other human services experts, ranging from program directors to individuals with lived experience in human services programs. They explore the importance of engaging families in program improvement, how to build and maintain trust with families, and tips on establishing a family advisory council. These resources accompany this video series:

• OPRE brief: Gathering and Using Family Input to Improve Child Support and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Services: Approaches from the Human Services Field
• OPRE toolkit: Elevating Family Input in TANF and Child Support Programs: Resources for Program Staff, Leaders and Families
• PeerTA Podcast: Incorporating Lived Experiences into Decision Making

This Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation brief provides a graphical overview of some of the TANF policy differences across states and territories. It includes information about initial eligibility, benefit amounts, work and activity requirements, and ongoing eligibility and time limits. This brief is a companion to the 2022 Welfare Rules Databook.

The Office of Family Assistance podcast series, “Incorporating Lived Experiences into Decision Making,” provides insights into how TANF agencies can include and involve individuals with lived experience in receiving TANF into agency programming and policy development. The series discusses why including individuals with lived experience is important and highlights various strategies and resources agencies can use to incorporate these perspectives. This first episode explores various strategies agencies have taken to gather and use input from individuals with lived experience to benefit agencies’ understanding, decision-making, and programming. Podcast speakers discuss varying approaches, including gathering survey feedback on program operations, forming participant advisory committees, incorporating participant-led case management practices, and hiring individuals with lived experience into permanent positions. This episode also explores how to engage in lived experiences equitably, including discussions of compensating individuals appropriately for their time and expertise.