TANF Application and Assessment Process That Victims of Domestic Violence Experience

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore how victims of domestic violence who applied for TANF experienced the application and assessment processes in Georgia. In order to overcome several gaps to understand complex nature of domestic violence screening and subsequent decision-making processes within TANF application processes, this study attempted to employ interpretivist epistemological stance (constructivist grounded theory method), the latest data, and a triangulation of interview data (gathered from victims of domestic violence, domestic violence advocates, and nationally recognized experts). Research questions included 1) how is the TANF application and assessment processes understood by victims of domestic violence and key informants?; 2) what are the conditions surrounding disclosure of domestic violence?; and 3) what are the experiences of victims of domestic violence who choose to disclose?

Methods: This study interviewed victims of domestic violence (N₁,=5), advocates for domestic violence (N₂,=4), and nationally recognized experts (N₃,=3) regarding screening for domestic violence in TANF programs using semi-structured interview protocols. Both participants in N₁ and N₂were recruited from state-certified family violence shelters and outreach services in Georgia. A constructivist ground theory approach was utilized to analyze these data (Charmaz, 2006). As this study did not utilize theoretical sampling, rather than develop a theory grounded by the data, findings will be displayed by the format of thematic analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001; Braun & Clarke, 2006).

Results:  Findings were presented as major themes (and sub-themes in parentheses). Major themes for the question #1 included 1) required procedures (multi-faceted procedures, variations, easy/difficult procedures) and 2) understanding of TANF as a beneficial option (TANF requirements/responsibilities, available options). Major themes for the question #2 included 1) safety issues (abuse caused vulnerability, financial vulnerability), 2) working relationship (bi-directional referral relationship, relationship strengths, relationship changes, self-referred victims), 3) taking extended time (providing multiple opportunities to disclose, active listening, and 4) removing all barriers (quality work, local/federal policy influence). Major themes for question #3 included 1) Access to service opportunities (additional procedures, access to information, receiving support) and 2) making final decisions (evaluating helpfulness of TANF with or without its requirements, continuing or discontinuing the TANF application).  

Conclusions and Implications: TANF was understood as a lot of requirements and unhelpful benefits. Disclosure of domestic violence appeared to be conditional based on individual, interpersonal, structural factors. Post disclosure experience by the victims of domestic violence included the lack of access to service opportunities and the drop-out from TANF application.  This study illuminated the processes as outcomes regarding safety-ensured processes: safety from domestic violence and safety from potential penalty, and/or program sanction. It also illuminated that the policy ideal of domestic violence screening that TANF applicants are routinely screened for domestic violence and assisted within TANF application and assessment processes is no longer relevant.