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Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation

An Office of the Administration for Children & Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Two Parent Families Study

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2014-2016

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Two Parent Families Study is a descriptive study that will collect information about two parent families who receive or are eligible to receive TANF. This study will document: 1) the characteristics of two-parent families participating in or eligible for TANF; 2) the variety of services TANF two parent families are receiving through TANF; 3) how state policies help or hinder families’ participation in TANF; and 4) how beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of staff and eligible families help or hinder families’ participation in TANF. This project is being conducted by the Urban Institute.

The points of contact are Aleta Meyer and Kathleen McCoy.

Report

Assisting Two-Parent Families through TANF

June 23, 2016

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Two-parent families’ lower TANF participation rates appear to result from differences in policies and practices. The dynamics of family relationships and personal feelings, especially of men, about seeking assistance may contribute to this difference as well. These families may also receive fewer support services than single-parent families because of either formal rationing of services or staff assumptions about their needs...