Research using data from 2004 to 2016 showed that seven restrictive state TANF policies predicted increases in the incidence of child neglect and foster care placement. In this resource, NCCP provides an updated scorecard of the same policies in 2026, demonstrating which states effectively protect more children and families by re-framing each policy to expand access to cash assistance.
TANF Policies Linked to Child and Family Well-Being Across All 50 States and DC (2025-26)
- Post author Karen Chatfield
- Project Improving Family Economic Security Through Evidence-Based State Policy Reforms;
- Publication Type Fact Sheet
- Post date May 15, 2026