Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Arkansas
Publications & Research
01 Aug 2022
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides grants to states to provide families with cash assistance and related support services. States have broad discretion to determine eligibility for their TANF cash assistance programs and can restrict who can receive cash assistance and in what amount. These policies are often rooted in racist and sexist ideas about parents ─ especially Black mothers with low incomes ─ that have influenced cash assistance programs for over a century and resulted in marked racial discrepancies with respect to who receives benefits. Two policies that have racist roots are the work requirement (which requires TANF recipients to participate in "work activities" as a condition of receiving cash benefits) and the family cap (which says that children born or conceived while a family receives cash assistance are not counted in determining benefits). Some states have done away with these policies in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in many state programs. This state specific report--which is part of a larger survey--looks at 19 states and provides an overview of each state’s stance with regard to the work requirement and family cap.
LFAA is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or referrals. The contents of this resource do not constitute legal advice and the user of this resource agrees that no attorney-client relationship is being formed between the user and any person or entity, including LFAA and the lawyers or law firms that drafted the resource. LFAA makes no representation regarding the accuracy of any information included in this resource.
Working Groups
Featured LFAA Resources
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Pennsylvania Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Pennsylvania non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Tennessee Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Tennessee non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Texas Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Texas non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
12 May 2026
Tennessee Local Eviction Moratorium Research Memo
Is there a good faith basis to argue that Nashville could lawfully implement an eviction moratorium? This memo covers the following research questions:...
Publications & Research
24 Mar 2026
Survey of Laws Restricting Abortion in the 50 States and U.S. Territories
This survey summarizes the varied tapestry of state and U.S. territory laws restricting access to abortion. It reflects the status of abortion laws between October 2025 and January 2026. ...
Publications & Research
23 Jan 2026
Guidebook on Use of Experts in Juvenile Justice Proceedings
This memorandum examines the role, admissibility, and strategic use of expert witnesses in juvenile justice proceedings, with a focus on federal standards and the laws of New York and California. While the Federal Rules of Evidence apply the Daubert standard to assess the reliability of expert testimony, both New York and California adhere to the Frye standard, which emphasizes general acceptance within the relevant scientific community. These standards apply similarly in juvenile cases, but some states, like California, have qualifications that the expert testimony addresses issues uniquely relevant to minors, such as developmental psychology, trauma, and mental health....
Publications & Research
04 Sep 2025
Analysis of CA Emergency Protocols
Currently, the incarcerated population does not have clear regulations on emergency protocols should there be a disaster of some sort. For example, during COVID-19, the detention and incarceration facilities were ill-equipped to handle the massive exposure, illness, loss of life, and medical needs of the incarcerated population. The attached memo, chart, and tables provide an overview of laws and regulations regarding emergency protocols in detention & incarceration facilities. ...
Publications & Research
27 Aug 2025
Suing Local Governments and Employees (Monell Liability)
Monell claims are essential when seeking damages from municipalities, as local governments are not liable under 1983 on a respondeat superior theory. To succeed, Plaintiffs must prove a violation of federal law, and a causal link demonstrating that the local government is responsible for the federal law violation. This primer provides guidance on how to meet these necessary elements. ...
Publications & Research
17 Apr 2025
LFAA Homelessness Working Group Presents Zoning Issues and Affordable Housing
The affordability and availability of housing has become a critical issue in the United States. Home prices are drastically outpacing incomes nationwide, and homelessness was at a record high in 2024. These burdens disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and multiracial households, with homeownership rates among these groups significantly lower than those of White households. As the United States housing crisis continues, cities are continually coming up with new ways to address the issue. This memorandum provides a brief history of zoning, explores how zoning regulations have contributed to the current housing crisis, and examines innovative solutions that cities across the country are using to address restrictive zoning laws....
Publications & Research
17 Mar 2025
Resource Guide for Undocumented Survivors
Network Victim Recovery of DC works with survivors of all types of crime who are undocumented. The attached memo serves as a resource guide for survivors who are navigating this challenge alongside their victimization. The resource guide contains recommended immigration statuses and resources that are available to undocumented survivors. ...
Publications & Research
13 Jan 2025
2024 Survey of State Anti-Guaranteed Income Legislation
“Guaranteed income” (GI) refers to periodic, cash payments given directly to individuals that are frequent and unconditional, with no “strings attached” and no work requirements. Guaranteed income is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net. Unlike cash transfer concepts like a “universal basic income”, a guaranteed income is not universal and prioritizes channeling resources to low-income, no-income, and middle-income people. State and local governments are increasingly experimenting with guaranteed income, especially after the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the momentum for the concept. Federal policies designed to provide economic relief during the pandemic, such as increased unemployment insurance, an expanded and fully refundable federal Child Tax Credit, and stimulus checks contributed to burgeoning support for creating and expanding cash assistance programs....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
North Carolina Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a North Carolina non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Pennsylvania Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Pennsylvania non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Tennessee Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Tennessee non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Texas Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Texas non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
12 May 2026
Tennessee Local Eviction Moratorium Research Memo
Is there a good faith basis to argue that Nashville could lawfully implement an eviction moratorium? This memo covers the following research questions:...
Publications & Research
24 Mar 2026
Survey of Laws Restricting Abortion in the 50 States and U.S. Territories
This survey summarizes the varied tapestry of state and U.S. territory laws restricting access to abortion. It reflects the status of abortion laws between October 2025 and January 2026. ...
Publications & Research
23 Jan 2026
Guidebook on Use of Experts in Juvenile Justice Proceedings
This memorandum examines the role, admissibility, and strategic use of expert witnesses in juvenile justice proceedings, with a focus on federal standards and the laws of New York and California. While the Federal Rules of Evidence apply the Daubert standard to assess the reliability of expert testimony, both New York and California adhere to the Frye standard, which emphasizes general acceptance within the relevant scientific community. These standards apply similarly in juvenile cases, but some states, like California, have qualifications that the expert testimony addresses issues uniquely relevant to minors, such as developmental psychology, trauma, and mental health....
Publications & Research
04 Sep 2025
Analysis of CA Emergency Protocols
Currently, the incarcerated population does not have clear regulations on emergency protocols should there be a disaster of some sort. For example, during COVID-19, the detention and incarceration facilities were ill-equipped to handle the massive exposure, illness, loss of life, and medical needs of the incarcerated population. The attached memo, chart, and tables provide an overview of laws and regulations regarding emergency protocols in detention & incarceration facilities. ...
Publications & Research
27 Aug 2025
Suing Local Governments and Employees (Monell Liability)
Monell claims are essential when seeking damages from municipalities, as local governments are not liable under 1983 on a respondeat superior theory. To succeed, Plaintiffs must prove a violation of federal law, and a causal link demonstrating that the local government is responsible for the federal law violation. This primer provides guidance on how to meet these necessary elements. ...
Publications & Research
17 Apr 2025
LFAA Homelessness Working Group Presents Zoning Issues and Affordable Housing
The affordability and availability of housing has become a critical issue in the United States. Home prices are drastically outpacing incomes nationwide, and homelessness was at a record high in 2024. These burdens disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and multiracial households, with homeownership rates among these groups significantly lower than those of White households. As the United States housing crisis continues, cities are continually coming up with new ways to address the issue. This memorandum provides a brief history of zoning, explores how zoning regulations have contributed to the current housing crisis, and examines innovative solutions that cities across the country are using to address restrictive zoning laws....
Publications & Research
17 Mar 2025
Resource Guide for Undocumented Survivors
Network Victim Recovery of DC works with survivors of all types of crime who are undocumented. The attached memo serves as a resource guide for survivors who are navigating this challenge alongside their victimization. The resource guide contains recommended immigration statuses and resources that are available to undocumented survivors. ...
Publications & Research
13 Jan 2025
2024 Survey of State Anti-Guaranteed Income Legislation
“Guaranteed income” (GI) refers to periodic, cash payments given directly to individuals that are frequent and unconditional, with no “strings attached” and no work requirements. Guaranteed income is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net. Unlike cash transfer concepts like a “universal basic income”, a guaranteed income is not universal and prioritizes channeling resources to low-income, no-income, and middle-income people. State and local governments are increasingly experimenting with guaranteed income, especially after the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the momentum for the concept. Federal policies designed to provide economic relief during the pandemic, such as increased unemployment insurance, an expanded and fully refundable federal Child Tax Credit, and stimulus checks contributed to burgeoning support for creating and expanding cash assistance programs....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
North Carolina Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a North Carolina non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Pennsylvania Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Pennsylvania non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Tennessee Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Tennessee non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....
Publications & Research
07 Jan 2025
Texas Guide to Non Profit Formation
The attached is a guide for creating a Texas non-profit. The guide includes pre-formation considerations, corresponding state statutes, as well as steps needed to complete incorporation. In addition, the guide sets forth the post-incorporation steps to ensure continued compliance with non-profit legislation....


