The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant provides grants to states for a wide range of benefits, services, and activities that address economic and social disadvantage for families with children. TANF is best known for funding state cash welfare programs for needy families with children, and it was created in the 1996 welfare reform law. This book discusses the potential role that the TANF block grant to states may play in mitigating the effects of the recession for poor families with children.