A supportive, nurturing environment is the solid foundation on which a successful future is built. Children and youth who have been abused or neglected have a faulty foundation and a compromised sense of safety and security. The insecurity and trauma experienced by children who have been maltreated can manifest in maladaptive behaviors and inappropriate responses to stress and adversity. Too often, this means youth with a history of abuse or neglect become involved with the juvenile justice system. This brief is intended to serve as an introduction to dual-status youth and the system reforms needed to better server this vulnerable population.
TANF at 25: Failing to Meet the Needs of WI Families
On August 22 of this year, the law creating the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF) turns 25 years old, and that’s not a cause for celebration. At the national level and here in Wisconsin, TANF is serving only a small fraction of the families who are...