The Texas Public Policy Foundation is calling for changes to the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, arguing that it should place greater emphasis on family stability, marriage, and employment.
In a research report released by the foundation, it said Texas’ administration of TANF has moved away from the program’s original goals of supporting families in need, reducing welfare dependence, and promoting children’s well-being.
The research recommends restructuring the program to prioritize two-parent households, encourage marriage and responsible parenting, support mothers and direct resources toward helping adults find work and improve their families’ financial stability.
It also calls for evaluating the program’s success based on whether families become more stable and self-sufficient, rather than focusing solely on short-term assistance.
“TANF is uniquely designed to help families through hardship while strengthening the conditions that give children the best chance to thrive,” said Hannah Bruck, campaign director for the Family Success Project.
“In Texas, the program often fails to prioritize two-parent households or give parents the tools they need to work, stay together, and pass on stability to the next generation. By reorienting these funds and ensuring a return to that core purpose, vulnerable Texas families are given the tools needed to not only survive, but flourish.”
Noah Torres, policy director for the Family Success Project, said the state should use TANF funding to support marriage, family formation and employment opportunities.
“Texas should use TANF to encourage marriage, family formation, and the complementary roles of mothers and fathers, not merely to manage poverty,” Torres said.
“When adults have real pathways to work and families receive support that rewards stability instead of undermining it, children benefit and communities become stronger. Incremental tweaks will not restore TANF to its original purpose. Texas needs a deliberate reworking of the program that puts two-parent families first.”
The research recommendations focus on changing how Texas directs TANF resources and measures outcomes for families receiving assistance.