How Have TANF Sanctions Been Implemented?
The present study is the first post-welfare reform study to take a detailed look at how sanctions are being implemented in local welfare offices operating under a range of different welfare reform policies. Based on our findings, we draw several conclusions about the implementation of TANF sanctions. First, it is clear that the implementation of TANF sanctions requires substantial staff effort. Three of the six local sites we visited during the study had restructured their staff responsibilities so that at least one staff member focused exclusively on the implementation of TANF sanctions. Monitoring program participation, contacting clients to reengage them in program activities, documenting the reason for imposing a sanction, and making eligibility changes are all extremely labor-intensive tasks. Second, TANF case managers have considerable discretion in deciding whether to impose a sanction, although some tend to exercise that discretion more than others. Many factors influence their
