Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is the result of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Essentially, TANF is a federally funded block grant that is to be used by the state, as they see fit, to create a safety net for families who are on the verge of poverty. Each individual state sets eligibility levels depending on which purpose the funds are to be used. The four purposes of the Act are as follows:
1. To provide cash assistance to needy families
2. To end dependence on welfare by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
3. To prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and;
4. To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families
In the past several years, there have been a number of areas where we have been incredibly thankful for the efforts made by the Hawai’i State Legislature, and the Department of Human Service. Our work would not be possible without their foresight and leadership. We have been particularly appreciative of the insight and innovation displayed by the Director of DHS, Lillian Koller. Koller, who was recently named one of Governing Magazines Public official of the Year, has been aggressive and fairly innovative in her use of TANF money.
With the help of Blueprint for Change, DHS developed a five year plan for TANF spending here in Hawai’i. This plan includes using TANF money to create a comprehensive federally mandated Program Improvement Plan (PIP), fund highly needed prevention projects like the Neighborhood Place model, and increase the delivery of services to families who are at risk for child abuse and neglect. For the full report on this plan visit:
