TANF and Childhood Adversity – Making the Connections - Making a Difference

In 1996, the newly created Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) federal welfare program served 68 of every 100 families with children in poverty; however, by 2020 that number fell to 21 (CBPP, 2022). Many states struggle to meet federally mandated employment outcome measures due, in part, to a limited understanding of the TANF population and factors commonly associated with individuals seeking cash assistance.

The Family Employment Program (FEP) Redesign Study of Utah was an exploratory longitudinal study designed in partnership between state TANF administrators and researchers. The goal was to provide a profile of participants at program entry, including employment barriers. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) has highlighted the relationship between childhood adversity and commonly recognized employment barriers. Childhood exposure to toxic stress can significantly hinder physical, mental, emotional and cognitive skills necessary to navigate adult tasks, including employment. For the FEP Redesign study, the ACES question set was added with the purpose of exploring the relationship between childhood adversity and factors commonly associated with employment and economic stability.

From August 2018 – December 2019 a monthly random sample of first time TANF recipients was contacted. In-person, generally in-home structured interviews were conducted with 1001 TANF recipients (68% response rate). A concurrent triangulation strategy for data collection was employed by embedding open-ended questions into the quantitative survey. Data for non-respondents were evaluated with no significant differences identified.

Data from the 10 ACEs questions was collapsed into three categories 0, 1-3 and 4+ ACEs. This mirrors methodology of the national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) analysis. In 2018, BRFSS results indicated 16% of Utah’s general population reported 4+ ACEs, while 61% of FEP Redesign Study participants reported this same level of childhood adversity.

Following univariate level analysis, associations between the number of ACEs reported and factors related to employment success (personal factors such as education level, work history, social supports, physical/mental health; employment support including housing, transportation, childcare; employment barriers such as domestic violence and a criminal record) were examined. The findings show a strong dose response relationship with statistical significance between ACEs exposure and nearly all factors associated with employment success.

Many federal and state programs assume all TANF recipients come to adulthood with the same capacity as the general population. Some do - some do not. Understanding the potential impact of childhood adversity/trauma on brain and physical development is critical. Simply providing resources and work incentives when a person needs basic skill development is a waste of time and money. Incorporated the finding of this study into program assessments and required activities will improve program outcomes by informing solutions that address the underlying issues.

This presentation provides conference attendees with a new lens through which to view welfare recipients. Future research with those incorporating this knowledge into program and policy development will be critical for understanding what works when programs focus on the core issues inhibiting employment success.