Introduction
This brief is part of the Human Services Programs in Rural Contexts Study, which employed a mixed methods research design involving engagement with human services subject matter experts, analysis of administrative and secondary data, and interviews with human service practitioners across 12 rural communities to achieve the following: 1) provide an in-depth description of human services programs in rural contexts; 2) determine the remaining need for human services in rural communities; and 3) identify opportunities for strengthening the capacity of human services programs to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities in rural contexts.
Purpose
The purpose of this brief is to provide federal, state, and local policymakers; TANF program administrators; TANF staff; and partners engaged in human services that promote self-sufficiency with a series of lessons learned and practitioner recommendations to help inform policy and service delivery moving forward.
Key Findings and Highlights
This brief found that TANF cash assistance spending is uneven across rural areas. There appears to be more remaining need in Southern states, rural areas in the Northeast, and locations throughout the Midwest and West. Many of the areas of very high remaining need in the West and in Alaska coincide with Native Lands.
Rural human service providers reported that TANF programs are increasingly shifting to a coaching model that accommodates multiple factors of the client’s life to provide services geared toward achieving long-term outcomes.
Opportunities for strengthening TANF programs in rural contexts include improving flexibility in federal and state guidelines, involving nonprofit partners, and offering learning communities for program staff.
TANF human service practitioners recommend integrating staff and services into the community, enabling flexible program delivery and local adaptations, unifying human services programs, and providing staff training.
Citation
Ward, E., N. Chakraborti, E. Brimsek, J. Murdoch, and H. Hahn. 2022. Exploring Remaining Needs and Opportunities for Improvement in Rural Communities: A Focus on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Programs. OPRE Brief #2023-046. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.