Case Study: Social Equity
Client Context:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration of Children and Families (ACF) is a federal agency providing guidance to the State and Tribal TANF programs. However, each State, Territory, and Tribe administers its TANF program according to its specific budget and priorities. The objective of the contract is to engage KLS&A to provide the necessary programs specific tools and resources, assessments and evaluations needed to strengthen program integration of race equity activities and principles for Building Race Equity Informed Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Programs (BREIT).
Scope of Services:
The targeted technical assistance (TA) supports the TANF programs in identifying specific areas of focus and developing specific action plans to improve race equity program activities for TANF families. In accordance with President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) is tasked with assessing and operationalizing racial equity in all its programs. OFA engaged the services of KLS&A to provide TA to TANF programs in assessing racial equity and incorporating an equity lens throughout TANF operations and processes.
How We Helped:
Throughout this ongoing project, KLS&A is working collaboratively with OFA, Regional TANF Offices, State and Tribal TANF programs providing TA to
- assess race equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) needs;
- develop and implement a tailored strategy to advance equity within selected TANF programs; and
- develop curriculum and other educational materials for TANF staff to navigate technical and adaptive challenges to creating a racially equitable system.
KLS&A is utilizing an Integrative Design approach paired with trauma-informed principles to engage TANF programs and other stakeholders in organizational transformation, all of which are intended to improve program and participant outcomes.