Peer-Based Training and Technical Assistance (PeerTA) (2022-2025)

The Peer Training and Technical Assistance (PeerTA) project was administered by MEF Associates and their subcontractor, The Adjacent Possible, on behalf of the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). PeerTA sustained and broadened a peer-based network that built upon the promising employment, economic security, and family well-being strategies administered by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs and partners. PeerTA expanded the capacity of TANF and Tribal TANF agencies and their partners to best support families who receive services. By identifying and disseminating the most promising and emerging practices, PeerTA assisted TANF programs to adopt innovative approaches that strengthened service delivery and improved outcomes.

PeerTA supported this goal in a variety of ways. First, PeerTA provided targeted technical assistance (TTA) to any TANF agency or partner who requests assistance. The team facilitated regular conversations with each requester, developed a customized TTA plan, oversaw the implementation and delivery of TTA, and evaluated the assistance received. Second, PeerTA provided group-based TTA designed to engage learners in expert-guided intensive learning, which included multiple meetings and activities over a longer timeframe, designed to encourage cross-agency collaboration and learning. Third, the PeerTA team also developed a suite of written and audiovisual products of interest to the PeerTA community, including podcasts, issue briefs, webinars, and reports.

PUBLICATIONS:
Building a Trauma-Informed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program: An Evaluative Toolkit
PeerTA “Roadmap” Series
PeerTA Podcast Episode 1: “Change Readiness” Podcast for Human Services Agency Staff
PeerTA Podcast Episode 2: Combatting Compassion Fatigue
Identifying and Addressing Compassion Fatigue within TANF Programs: A Guide for Managers
Identifying and Addressing Compassion Fatigue within TANF Programs: A Guide for Staff
MEF Presents: Incorporating Individuals with Lived Experience into Decision Making
Adult Basic Education and Literacy Programming for TANF Recipients
Integrating TANF and SNAP Employment Services
TANF and Pregnancy Prevention: State Spotlights
POLICY AREAS:
Child Support | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | Workforce System
METHODOLOGIES:
Conference Presentations | Literature Reviews | Planning and Facilitating Convenings | Policy Analysis | Research Translation and Dissemination | Stakeholder Engagement | Supporting Program Innovation | Systematic Needs Assessments | Webinars | Workshops and Trainings
STAFF:
Mary Farrell | LaDonna Pavetti | Carly Morrison | Chrissy Steigelman | Laura Meyer | Sofia Torres | Imani Hutchinson | Ayan Goran | Elina Morrison | Kia Heryadi | Allie Burns | Rachel Richman