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Association between Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and child maltreatment among a cohort of fragile families
Spencer, R. A., Livingston, M. D., Komro, K. A., Sroczynski, N., Rentmeester, S. T., & Woods-Jaeger, B. (2021). Association between Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and child maltreatment among a cohort of fragile families. Child Abuse & Neglect, 120, Article 105186. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105186
BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment disproportionately affects families experiencing poverty and structural discrimination, including African American (AA) families. The generosity of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may reduce child maltreatment disparities.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to understand TANF's impact on the mother's perpetration of child maltreatment and whether the effect differs across AA and White mothers.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Participants are 2457 primary caregiving mothers participating in waves 3 (2001-2003), 4 (2003-2006), and 5 (2007-2010) of the U.S.-based Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing birth cohort study.
METHODS: We use a difference-in-differences study design to estimate overall and race-specific effects of TANF policies on caregivers' self-report of child neglect and physical and psychological maltreatment measured by the Child-Parent Conflict Tactics Scale. State-level TANF policy exposures include the TANF-to-Poverty Ratio (TPR), maximum cash benefits, time limits, sanctions, diversion payments, and family caps.
RESULTS: A $100 increase in TANF benefits was associated with a reduction of 1.8 reported physical abuse events (Beta = -1.80, 95% CI (-3.29, -0.31)). Imposing a time limit on TANF receipt was associated with an increase of 2.3 reported physical abuse events (Beta = 2.27, 95% CI (0.04, 4.50)). No significant differences were found for AA mothers versus White mothers.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Increasing TANF cash benefits should be prioritized to reduce poverty-related child maltreatment disparities. TANF time limits should be reconsidered.