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The Impact of TANF on Kinship Foster Care

Steven G. Anderson
School of Social Work
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
1207 W. Oregon
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-5242
FAX: (217) 244-5220
sandersn@uiuc.edu

Purpose: This study assesses the impact of state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) policies on kinship care practices in 17 large states. The purpose is to determine whether TANF policies have led to increases in the number of kinship care cases, changes in kinship care payment levels, or other kinship care policy changes.

Method: A sample of 20 large states, representing over 75 percent of the U. S. foster care caseload, was purposively selected. Telephone interviews then were conducted with both state child welfare and TANF agency officials in 17 states, for a response rate of 85 percent. Respondents were asked about specific areas in which kinship care policies had have changed as a result of TANF plan development, as well whether the state was experiencing kinship care caseload changes attributable to TANF.

Findings: Despite concerns that TANF might initiate kinship care caseload increases and a “race to the bottom” in payment levels, the states surveyed had experienced few changes in these areas. Most states also made only marginal changes in kinship care policies, such as expanding the definitions of relatives allowed to provide care. Several states were using TANF funding to expand support services or financial incentives for kinship caregivers. However, TANF work requirements were affecting many kin caregivers, as most states did not exempt kin caregivers who received TANF family grants from work requirements.

Policy Implications: Initial TANF implementation does not appear to have led to increases in kinship care caseloads or declines in payment levels. However, given that most caregivers are grandparents and alternative placements often are more costly, the imposition of work requirements on kin caregivers requires further attention. Support services and financial incentive innovations developed with TANF funding also suggest useful models for replication in other states.