TANF Funds May Be Used for Treatment Services

Washington, Jan. 11 – Noting the greater demand in mental health and substance abuse treatment services due to economic hardships, the Administration for Children and Families recently reminded state and tribal governments that they may use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds and state maintenance of effort funds, including TANF Emergency Fund awards issued under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to help eligible individuals in need of these services.

ACF said that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s suicide prevention lifeline has seen a steady increase in call volume for the past two years and unprecedented high levels in recent months. Many callers cited financial difficulties as the reason for their call.