TANF Research Synthesis - TANF and CCDF Discussion Guide

Appendix A

TANF and CCDF Discussion Guides

TANF Discussion Guide

1. What is important for researchers and program managers to understand about TANF policies and how states implement those policies?

• Work requirements

• Education and training

• Time limits

• Block grant financing

• ARRA

• Linkages with other safety net programs

• Data reporting

• Other

2. What is important for researchers and program managers to understand about the effects of TANF on recipients, leavers, and other TANF-eligible individuals?

• Work and wages

• Family income and poverty

• Family structure

• Hard to employ

• Disconnected

• Child well-being

• Other

3. Where do you see the greatest needs for improved information about TANF policies and their effects?

• In what areas do you think changed circumstances necessitate new information?

• Economic context

• Political context

4. What issues related to TANF seem to be “hot topics” right now that researchers and program managers should know about?

5. Would you like to share any other information pertinent to the TANF program?

CCDF Discussion Guide

1. What is important for researchers and program managers to understand about CCDF policies and how states implement these policies?

   • Program caseloads and spending

   • Child care quality

   • Providers

   • Linkages to other programs

   • Other

2. What is important for researchers and program managers to understand about the effects of CCDF on parents, children, and communities?

• Parent’s employment

• Family incomes

• Program participation

• Children

• Providers and communities

• Other

3. Where do you see the greatest needs for improved information about CCDF policies and their effects?

   • In what areas do you think changed circumstances necessitate new information?

• Economic context

• Political context

4. What issues related to CCDF seem to be “hot topics” right now that researchers and program managers should know about?

5. Would you like to share any other information pertinent to the CCDF program?