Evaluating TANF

A policy brief by Elizabeth Lower-Basch at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) outlines the weaknesses of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant and its implementation. She argues

All states have continued to use a portion of [TANF] funds to provide cash assistance to some very low-income families; however, the number of such families has fallen dramatically, to about one-third of their 1994 peak. Less than half of families who are eligible for cash assistance receive it. Many of the TANF requirements, including the work participation rate, the time limit on federal assistance, and most data reporting, are limited to families receiving cash assistance and do not apply to families receiving other benefits or services funded from the TANF block grant.

Policies for enhancing TANF, as well as more policies for expanding economic opportunity.