Tribal
TANF and CCDF Guide to Financial Management, Grants Administration,and
Program Accountability
Table of Contents (This document is also available in PDF and Word format.)
1. Overview of ProgramsTribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)With the signing of the 1996 welfare reform law, the Administration and Congress charted new ground by giving federally recognized Indian Tribes, or consortia of such Tribes, authority to operate their own Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. The final Tribal TANF regulations hold Tribes accountable for moving families to self-sufficiency while encouraging and supporting flexibility, innovation, and creativity in tribal programs. The final regulations also implement the Native Employment Works (NEW) program which authorizes funding to former Tribal JOBS grantees, for tribal programs to make work activities available. This final rule implements the provisions in PRWORA, which for the first time gives Tribes the opportunity to operate their own TANF programs. The TANF statute offers Tribes the choice of whether to operate their own TANF program or to participate in the program operated by the State, a choice that represents a major step forward in tribal self-governance. The Tribal TANF final regulations provide Tribes and tribal consortia with a clear and balanced set of rules for complying with the law's performance goals. They reflect PRWORA's focus on moving needy families to work and self-sufficiency, and on ensuring that welfare is a time-limited, transitional experience, not a way of life. The regulations encourage and support flexibility, innovation, and creativity to enable tribal programs to reach all families and provide supports to working families. They do not dictate to Tribes how to design their TANF programs or spend their funds; however, they do hold Tribes accountable for moving families toward self-sufficiency. Funds are awarded and administered by the DHHS, through the ACF, Office of Family Assistance (OFA) at the regional office level.Previous Page | Table of Contents | Applicable Regulations, OMB Circulars, and Certifications >> |