NCJ Number
199501
Date Published
January 2003
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the integrated approach undertaken in El Paso County, CO, of offering both the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the child welfare program together as one program under the Department of Human Services.
Abstract
In most cases, families involved with the TANF cash assistance program are also involved with the child welfare program. As such, offering both services together as one program designed to combat problems intertwined with poverty and the abuse and neglect of children. The paper offers a brief description of El Paso County, including the Department of Human Services and key stakeholders, and then moves on to a discussion of recent TANF initiatives and child welfare initiatives. The last two sections outline the two agency’s efforts at collaboration and the lessons learned from the experience. The author cautions that this paper is not a step-by-step guide for how to re-create the El Paso collaboration in another county. Rather, this paper presents a philosophical approach to bridging the gap in services created by segmenting different human services into separate sectors with no formal means of ongoing communication. Some recommendations, however, are made, including tips for overcoming resistance to change and for building widespread support. The author also suggests that communities address information system challenges with practicality and creativity. Appendix