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case study:

TANF Program Design Services

THE OPPORTUNITY
Tennessee was faced with bringing the Families First program into compliance with federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) regulations upon the expiration of its AFDC waiver in June 2007. One considerable difference between Families First and TANF was the way in which eligible work activities were defined and counted. Moreover, the reauthorization of the TANF block grant under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) further defined the acceptable work activities and set states up for federal penalties if they missed the Work Participation Rate requirement.

THE CLIENT
State of Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS)

THE PROJECT
Redesign of Tennessees Families First welfare program

THE PCG APPROACH

PCG worked with Tennessee to achieve the ultimate goal of helping the states most needy citizens achieve self-sufficiency and economic security while meeting important, though sometimes contradictory, federal mandates. PCG took careful and deliberate steps to ensure that the redesigned Families First program met several goals: To maximize positive outcomes for families; To identify operational improvements; To increase compliance with federal regulations; and To enhance the states mixed strategies service delivery method.

PCG took the time to understand our policies and procedures as well as the culture of our organization after taking on the daunting task of helping us to create a new, post-waiver TANF program. PCG staff helped us take a critical look at all aspects of our existing TANF program as well as what options we had to improve it. They were able to help us create a program that will enable clients to address their needs, overcome barriers, and reach their goals while the program remains in compliance with federal guidelines. - Paul Lefkowitz, Director Families First Tennessee Department of Human Services

THE RESULT
PCG helped Tennessee turn its federal AFDC waiver expiration into an opportunity by redesigning the Families First program to create an effective, state-of-the-art welfare program that will improve the states ability to help some of its most needy citizens*. Key changes to the Families First* program included Enhanced case coordination and performance-based contracting; Adjustments to the list of acceptable work activities; Enhanced Work Experience and Community Service programs.
*During this project, PCGs redesign of the Families First program was incorporated into State

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