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September 2018Vol. 19, No. 7'Prevention: Stabilizing Families Through TANF'

Poverty is one of the conditions that can contribute to the likelihood of maltreatment. To help reduce the risk of child maltreatment in economically disadvantaged families, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial support and employment services that may alleviate some of the financial stresses these families face as they strive for self-sufficiency.

A recently released Children's Bureau podcast, "Prevention: Stabilizing Families Through TANF," showcases the Family Support and Connections program in Oregon. The Family Support and Connections program is a community-based child abuse prevention program that works with self-sufficiency program officers and families participating in Oregon's TANF program to identify families' needs, connect them with community resources, and stabilize and strengthen families.

This 35-minute podcast covers the following topics:

  • How family advocates work with their self-sufficiency program counterparts to share information and serve families
  • The shift to focusing on root causes when addressing the symptoms of poverty, maltreatment, and neglect
  • Characteristics of a successful family advocate and what challenges they may face

This podcast and the accompanying transcript are available for download at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-welfare-podcast-prevention-tanf.