The federal TANF program was created by Congress in 1996 with four broad purposes:
- Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
- End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.
- Prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
- Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
TANF services include cash assistance and non-cash assistance provided through several TANF-funded programs. These TANF-funded programs include TEA, Work Pays, The Career Pathways Initiative (CPI), and the Community Investment Initiative.
Transitional Employment Assistance
The TEA Program offers temporary assistance designed to enable families with children to take charge of their own well-being, reducing their reliance on public aid. Beyond just monthly financial aid, the program offers services like job preparation, transportation support, childcare aid, and additional support services. These are aimed at helping parents participate in work, education, or training activities.
The Division of County Operations oversees the TEA Program, handling the administration and determining eligibility for both the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) and Work Pays Programs.
