This new law establishes the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program and dovetails with the new federal welfare reform law. Alaska Statute 47.27 lists the Alaska Native organizations the Department of Health and Social Services may coordinate with. It also allows the Department of Health and Social Services to cooperate with these Native organizations to propose criteria to the US Department of Health and Human Services to promote programs comparable to the state program in the same area. The Knowles Administration supports the efforts of Native organizations that decide to pursue block grants. Divesting decision making and program authority to local agencies enhances community involvement and local ownership.
Native organizations are community-based with close ties to local economies.
They have the ability to deliver locally and culturally relevant programs. This working group continues to discuss the comparability issue and other program planning needs and concerns. The 13 eligible Native organizations are deciding whether or not to submit plans and operate their own programs through Tribal Family Assistance grants. The question of a state match complicates the decision. These funds will be distributed based upon past child care usage as well as anticipated needs.