Implementation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) on American Indian Reservations: Early Evidence from Arizona

This study is aimed at monitoring the impact of the 1996 federal welfare legislation on American Indian families with children on reservations within the state of Arizona over five years (1997-2002). Our goal is to inform the public policy debate on how to improve the social and economic opportunities for low-income families with children on reservations. This report is based on our first year (October 1, 1997-September 30,1998) of work, which focused on aspects of reform implementation and short-term and potential long-term outcomes. We analyzed secondary data from administrative sources relevant to the implementation of welfare legislation in Indian communities. In addition, we collected and analyzed primary (qualitative) data regarding welfare reform options implemented on reservations and their potential impacts. Primary data were collected from in-depth telephone interviews with service providers of 15 of the 21 reservations in Arizona. This information was substantiated by two site visits to three reservations where we conducted focus groups with current and former welfare recipients and state and tribal social service providers