Brief Collaboration between State Welfare and Child Welfare Agencies
Cynthia Andrews Scarcella, Roseana Bess, Amy Jantz, Victoria Russell
Display Date
File
File
Download Report
(158.71 KB)

Based on a survey of state TANF directors in 41 states and DC, researchers conclude that the level of collaboration between TANF and child welfare agencies in many states is a great accomplishment when compared with the limited efforts before welfare reform. For instance, 31 state TANF agencies have provided either written or verbal guidance to local TANF agencies on coordinating TANF work plans with child welfare plans. Twenty of the TANF agencies surveyed have documented policies for sharing information with child welfare agencies; 13 states have colocated TANF and child welfare staff; and 25 created joint planning or steering committees. Addressing the needs of targeted populations -- relative caregivers, sanctioned clients, families approaching time limits, and victims of domestic violence -- has been the impetus for several unique programs described in the brief.
Research Areas Families Social safety net Children and youth Child welfare
Tags Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State programs, budgets