Approved in 2003 by the Administration of Children and Families (Department of Health and Human Services) and established in 2005 the Washoe Native TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Program is administered by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The Native TANF program provides temporary aid and services to Native American families that are at risk of welfare dependency. The program focuses on services that strengthen families, through education, job preparation, career services and enable recipients to achieve self-sufficiency. Our Overall Goal: Advance the health, safety, and well-being of the Native American people Our Objective: Promote economic and social well-being for individuals, families and communities What is the purpose of TANF?...The goals of the Washoe Native TANF Program are to: 1. Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes; 2. Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage; 3. Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; 4. Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families; 5. Provide services in a culturally appropriate way; and 6. Strengthen Native families and empower them to be self-sufficient.