DHHS, Administration for Children and Families

The devolution of responsibility for the nation’s primary welfare program from the federal government to state and local agencies was one of the most important institutional changes in federal welfare policy during the 1990s.  The Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 created the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, which gave states considerable latitude to allocate funds across program functions and move functions outside of traditional welfare agencies to other public agencies and private organizations.  This study, conducted by the Lewin Group and the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, determined how local management of TANF programs has evolved to address changing needs and improve program results.  Rather than viewing TANF implementation as a single event followed by a stable administrative structure and a static array of services and requirements, the project viewed implementation in dynamic terms.  It sought to understand how local welfare offices in five areas modify their programs and adopt more effective approaches in response to changing circumstances.

"Throughout the engagement, Lewin consultants listened to us and delivered superb analyses and thoughtful guidance–not canned solutions."  NONPROFIT HEALTH SYSTEM