Association between Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and child maltreatment among a cohort of fragile families

Abstract

BackgroundChild 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. ObjectiveOur 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 settingParticipants 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. MethodsWe 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. ResultsA $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 relevanceIncreasing TANF cash benefits should be prioritized to reduce poverty-related child maltreatment disparities. TANF time limits should be reconsidered.