Researchers in the Family Welfare Department concluded a two-year, mixed methods evaluation for Maryland's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). This study, initiated by a 2022 state bill, provides a roadmap for enhancing the program's effectiveness in supporting Maryland families. Researchers employed a mixed-methods design that included administrative data, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document reviews. This strategy allowed researchers to answer questions about program design, trauma-informed and anti-racist properties of assessment tools, equity in policy implementation and processes, use of evidence-based practices, and disaggregated outcomes.
The final report yielded 14 actionable recommendations for DHS focusing on areas such as improving staffing, enhancing program equity, and weaving trauma-informed care into the program's design. Researchers shared these results with Secretary López and his team, leadership across the 24 local jurisdictions, and participants in the TCA program. As required by the bill, DHS will submit annual progress reports on the implementation of these recommendations.
Researchers would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Ms. Julia Scott, DEI Coordinator for the SSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Dr. Andrea Hetling and Ms. Lillian McFarland at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Their willingness to collaborate with the Family Welfare team on the anti-racist and trauma-informed analyses of assessment tools was instrumental to the final recommendations.