1

People with Disabilities and TANF

Disability Navigatorsrsquo Audio Conference June 17 2004

Eileen P SweeneySenior FellowCenter on Budget and Policy Priorities820 First St NE Suite 510Washington DC 20002202-408-1080fax 202-408-1056sweeneycbpporgwwwcbpporg

2

1 What we know about people with disabilities in TANF

2 The ADA and Section 504 apply

3 Steps some states are taking to assist families with disabilities to move towards success

4 Developments on TANF reauthorization

3

1 What we know about people with disabilities and TANFbull The Urban Institutersquos national survey of current

welfare recipients foundbull 48 percent had either poor general or mental

health with 25 reporting poor general health and 35 reporting poor mental health

bull Overall for 32 percent either their health limited their work or they were in very poor mental health with 18 reporting that their health limits work and 22 reporting very poor mental health

4

There is a high incidence of people with mental impairments among parents on and off of TANF

bull National information from the Urban Institutebull over one-third of current recipients scored low

on a standard mental health scale while close to one-fourth scored in very poor mental health

bull approximately one-fifth of former recipients who were not working scored very poor on the mental health scale placing them in the bottom 10 percent nationwide

5

The General Accounting Office has confirmed that high numbers of parents on TANF have disabilities

bull 44 percent of TANF recipients reported having physical or mental impairments a proportion almost three times as high as among adults in the non-TANF population

bull 38 percent of TANF recipients in 1999 reported an

impairment severe enough that the individual was unable or needed help to perform one or more activities such as walking up a flight of stairs or keeping track of money and bills

6

GAO there are high numbers of parents with mental impairments on TANF

bull ldquoConsidering both severe and nonsevere impairments 29 percent of TANF adults reported a mental impairment such as frequent depression or anxiety or trouble concentratingrdquo

bull GAO notes that self-reporting probably results in underestimates of mental impairments and ldquohiddenrdquo impairments such as learning disabilities

7

GAO report citation

Welfare Reform More Coordinated Federal Effort Could Help States and Localities Move TANF Recipients with Impairments Toward Employment

GAO-02-37 October 2001 available at httpwwwgaogov

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

3

1 What we know about people with disabilities and TANFbull The Urban Institutersquos national survey of current

welfare recipients foundbull 48 percent had either poor general or mental

health with 25 reporting poor general health and 35 reporting poor mental health

bull Overall for 32 percent either their health limited their work or they were in very poor mental health with 18 reporting that their health limits work and 22 reporting very poor mental health

4

There is a high incidence of people with mental impairments among parents on and off of TANF

bull National information from the Urban Institutebull over one-third of current recipients scored low

on a standard mental health scale while close to one-fourth scored in very poor mental health

bull approximately one-fifth of former recipients who were not working scored very poor on the mental health scale placing them in the bottom 10 percent nationwide

5

The General Accounting Office has confirmed that high numbers of parents on TANF have disabilities

bull 44 percent of TANF recipients reported having physical or mental impairments a proportion almost three times as high as among adults in the non-TANF population

bull 38 percent of TANF recipients in 1999 reported an

impairment severe enough that the individual was unable or needed help to perform one or more activities such as walking up a flight of stairs or keeping track of money and bills

6

GAO there are high numbers of parents with mental impairments on TANF

bull ldquoConsidering both severe and nonsevere impairments 29 percent of TANF adults reported a mental impairment such as frequent depression or anxiety or trouble concentratingrdquo

bull GAO notes that self-reporting probably results in underestimates of mental impairments and ldquohiddenrdquo impairments such as learning disabilities

7

GAO report citation

Welfare Reform More Coordinated Federal Effort Could Help States and Localities Move TANF Recipients with Impairments Toward Employment

GAO-02-37 October 2001 available at httpwwwgaogov

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

4

There is a high incidence of people with mental impairments among parents on and off of TANF

bull National information from the Urban Institutebull over one-third of current recipients scored low

on a standard mental health scale while close to one-fourth scored in very poor mental health

bull approximately one-fifth of former recipients who were not working scored very poor on the mental health scale placing them in the bottom 10 percent nationwide

5

The General Accounting Office has confirmed that high numbers of parents on TANF have disabilities

bull 44 percent of TANF recipients reported having physical or mental impairments a proportion almost three times as high as among adults in the non-TANF population

bull 38 percent of TANF recipients in 1999 reported an

impairment severe enough that the individual was unable or needed help to perform one or more activities such as walking up a flight of stairs or keeping track of money and bills

6

GAO there are high numbers of parents with mental impairments on TANF

bull ldquoConsidering both severe and nonsevere impairments 29 percent of TANF adults reported a mental impairment such as frequent depression or anxiety or trouble concentratingrdquo

bull GAO notes that self-reporting probably results in underestimates of mental impairments and ldquohiddenrdquo impairments such as learning disabilities

7

GAO report citation

Welfare Reform More Coordinated Federal Effort Could Help States and Localities Move TANF Recipients with Impairments Toward Employment

GAO-02-37 October 2001 available at httpwwwgaogov

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

5

The General Accounting Office has confirmed that high numbers of parents on TANF have disabilities

bull 44 percent of TANF recipients reported having physical or mental impairments a proportion almost three times as high as among adults in the non-TANF population

bull 38 percent of TANF recipients in 1999 reported an

impairment severe enough that the individual was unable or needed help to perform one or more activities such as walking up a flight of stairs or keeping track of money and bills

6

GAO there are high numbers of parents with mental impairments on TANF

bull ldquoConsidering both severe and nonsevere impairments 29 percent of TANF adults reported a mental impairment such as frequent depression or anxiety or trouble concentratingrdquo

bull GAO notes that self-reporting probably results in underestimates of mental impairments and ldquohiddenrdquo impairments such as learning disabilities

7

GAO report citation

Welfare Reform More Coordinated Federal Effort Could Help States and Localities Move TANF Recipients with Impairments Toward Employment

GAO-02-37 October 2001 available at httpwwwgaogov

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

6

GAO there are high numbers of parents with mental impairments on TANF

bull ldquoConsidering both severe and nonsevere impairments 29 percent of TANF adults reported a mental impairment such as frequent depression or anxiety or trouble concentratingrdquo

bull GAO notes that self-reporting probably results in underestimates of mental impairments and ldquohiddenrdquo impairments such as learning disabilities

7

GAO report citation

Welfare Reform More Coordinated Federal Effort Could Help States and Localities Move TANF Recipients with Impairments Toward Employment

GAO-02-37 October 2001 available at httpwwwgaogov

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

7

GAO report citation

Welfare Reform More Coordinated Federal Effort Could Help States and Localities Move TANF Recipients with Impairments Toward Employment

GAO-02-37 October 2001 available at httpwwwgaogov

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

8

Some parents with disabilities have been sanctioned off of TANF

bull As many as one-fourth to one-half of parents who are no longer receiving TANF due to a sanction for failure to comply with the statersquos welfare rules indicate that they were unable to comply with the rules because of their disability health condition or illness

bull The studies suggest that others who face

learning disabilities or who have a low IQ find it difficult to understand and comply with the programrsquos rules

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

9

TANF programs serve many families with severe disabilities mdash policies and practices need to be responsive to this important fact

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

10

2 States and counties are legally obligated to comply with the federal civil rights laws in TANF

bull Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply

bull Lest there be any question the 1996 TANF law specifically incorporates the key federal civil rights laws

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

11

Common goals of TANF and ADA sect504 dovetail

bull Success in complying with the ADA and Section 504 can create exactly the types of results Congress your state legislators and state agency hope for in TANF

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

12

HHS OCR Guidance on TANF and the ADAsect504

Available at httpwwwhhsgovocrprohibitionhtml

Worth reading regularly and sharing ndash provides helpful context for thinking about people with disabilities in TANF also provides helpful information about best practices

13

The Guidance

bull Spells out what the ADA and Section 504 require

bull Makes clear that there may be different ndashand equally legal ndash ways of ensuring that discrimination based on disability does not occur

14

Two key principles of ADA and Section 504

bull Individualized treatment

bull Effective and meaningful opportunity

15

Individualized treatment

bull Requires that individuals with disabilities be treated on a case-by-case basis consistent with facts and objective evidence

bull Individuals with disabilities may not be treated on the basis of generalizations and stereotypes

16

Effective amp meaningful opportunity

bull Individual with disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to benefit from TANF programs that is as effective as the opportunity the TANF agency affords to individuals who do not have disabilities and must also be afforded ldquomeaningful accessrdquo to TANF programs

17

To implement these two principles there are three key legal requirements

bull Ensure equal access through the provision of appropriate services

bull Modify policies practices and procedures to provide such access

bull Adopt non-discriminatory methods of administration

18

In the context of TANF

These rules apply to

-- a caretaker relative with a disability

-- family members with a disability (for example a child or spouse)

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

14

Two key principles of ADA and Section 504

bull Individualized treatment

bull Effective and meaningful opportunity

15

Individualized treatment

bull Requires that individuals with disabilities be treated on a case-by-case basis consistent with facts and objective evidence

bull Individuals with disabilities may not be treated on the basis of generalizations and stereotypes

16

Effective amp meaningful opportunity

bull Individual with disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to benefit from TANF programs that is as effective as the opportunity the TANF agency affords to individuals who do not have disabilities and must also be afforded ldquomeaningful accessrdquo to TANF programs

17

To implement these two principles there are three key legal requirements

bull Ensure equal access through the provision of appropriate services

bull Modify policies practices and procedures to provide such access

bull Adopt non-discriminatory methods of administration

18

In the context of TANF

These rules apply to

-- a caretaker relative with a disability

-- family members with a disability (for example a child or spouse)

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

15

Individualized treatment

bull Requires that individuals with disabilities be treated on a case-by-case basis consistent with facts and objective evidence

bull Individuals with disabilities may not be treated on the basis of generalizations and stereotypes

16

Effective amp meaningful opportunity

bull Individual with disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to benefit from TANF programs that is as effective as the opportunity the TANF agency affords to individuals who do not have disabilities and must also be afforded ldquomeaningful accessrdquo to TANF programs

17

To implement these two principles there are three key legal requirements

bull Ensure equal access through the provision of appropriate services

bull Modify policies practices and procedures to provide such access

bull Adopt non-discriminatory methods of administration

18

In the context of TANF

These rules apply to

-- a caretaker relative with a disability

-- family members with a disability (for example a child or spouse)

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

16

Effective amp meaningful opportunity

bull Individual with disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to benefit from TANF programs that is as effective as the opportunity the TANF agency affords to individuals who do not have disabilities and must also be afforded ldquomeaningful accessrdquo to TANF programs

17

To implement these two principles there are three key legal requirements

bull Ensure equal access through the provision of appropriate services

bull Modify policies practices and procedures to provide such access

bull Adopt non-discriminatory methods of administration

18

In the context of TANF

These rules apply to

-- a caretaker relative with a disability

-- family members with a disability (for example a child or spouse)

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

17

To implement these two principles there are three key legal requirements

bull Ensure equal access through the provision of appropriate services

bull Modify policies practices and procedures to provide such access

bull Adopt non-discriminatory methods of administration

18

In the context of TANF

These rules apply to

-- a caretaker relative with a disability

-- family members with a disability (for example a child or spouse)

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

18

In the context of TANF

These rules apply to

-- a caretaker relative with a disability

-- family members with a disability (for example a child or spouse)

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

19

These rules need to be infused into everything State and County TANF offices do in all policies and practices

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

20

These rules apply no matter what the personrsquos position

bull Policy makerpolicy implementer

bull Office managersupervisor

bull Case worker

bull Receptionist

bull Security officer

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

21

bull The person who designs the statersquos or Countyrsquos notices and signage

bull Employment or jobs specialist

bull Trainertrainee

bull Contract procurement specialist

bull Contractor with the State or County

bull Employees of any other State or County agency

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

22

The rules also apply more globally in how the agency functions

bull how the agency thinks about each and every policy it has that affects the people the agency serves and their families

bull contents of noticesbull signage about rightsbull terms included in contracts with private

providers or other public agencies to provide services

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

23

The important role of reasonable accommodations

bull Must happen at throughout agency and at each level of the agency mdash built into policies

bull Staff must have the discretion (and authority) to design accommodations on a case-by-case basis taking into account the individualrsquos disability (And staff need to know they have this authority)

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

24

bull Contractors must know that they can make the changes needed to serve the person with a disability mdash and that the state or county will pay them

bull Important to talk with the person to see what he or she thinks will work mdash what he or she needs to succeed

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

25

What kinds of steps are reasonable accommodations

bull Allowing an individual to do work activities part-time or during flexible hours

bull Providing support services such as equipment a job coach or a tutor

bull Placing a person in ldquoinactive statusrdquo if necessary to allow the individual to participate in health mental health or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation services if the individual chooses to do so

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

26

bull Providing the individual with work activities in a specific work environment (including indoor work work in a quiet area) that enables the individual to participate in work activities

bull Providing the individual with particular types of jobs or work activities that are consistent with the individualrsquos limitations such as work that requires limited standing or lifting or that involves limited contact with the public

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

27

Clients must be allowed to do things at different timesplaces or for a different amount of time when needed because of a disability Some examples

ndash If the person has a disability and canrsquot come to the agency for the application interview a home visit must be provided

ndash Allowing a client to reschedule a fair hearing when there is good cause (including a disability-related reason)

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

28

ndash A person can ask for an application on someone elsersquos behalf (ie someone who canrsquot come to the office for a disability-related reason) and the agency must give it to the person asking for it or mail it to the person who wants to apply

ndash If a client has a disability and can do some work assigning the person to a particular work environment (ie indoors) is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

29

ndash Assessment interview must be scheduled at a time that doesnrsquot conflict with medicalmental health treatment

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

30

Clients must be allowed to do less of something or to do something for fewer hours or to not do it at all when needed because of a disability Such as

bull If a client has a disability or is a caretaker for a household member with a disability but is able to do some work part-time work is an accommodation to which a client may be entitled

bull Number of job contacts during a job search must be determined on an individual basis mdash disability the disability of a household member and Limited English Proficiency must be taken into account when determining the number

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

31

bull Reduced number of job contacts is a reasonable modification

bull Waiver of job search in addition to part time employment is a reasonable accommodation

bull Waiver of job search or job club if it would be futile for a person with a disability

bull Working less than 30 hours if needed for a disability-related reason

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

32

Caring for a family member with a disability can affect workbull An individual who is needed on a substantially

continuous basis to care for a child or other member of the household with a disability is not going to be able to work outside the home

bull If the care needed is part-time then the person may be able to do part-time work activities however it will be important to ensure that the hours involved are compatible with the need to care for the family member with a disability

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

33

Agency staff must think about whether a disability is involved at all times but especially whenever

bull There is an issue of intentbull There is an issue of non-compliance or

lack of cooperationbull There is a question about failure to appear

for an appointmentbull Whether the person has ldquogood causerdquo for

acting or failing to act

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

34

bull The worker has any suspicion that a person may have a health condition or be caring for a person with a health condition

bull A person can not read or write

bull Evidence the worker has requested has not been provided

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

35

bull When assessing whether a family knew or should have known (and when they knew or should have known) that receipt of funds or a change in circumstances would affect their eligibility for or the amount of their benefits staff must assess whether the person has a disability that makes it likely that the person did not understand the consequences of receipt of the payment or of failure to report the payment or change in circumstances

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

36

The worker must keep in contact with the client once she has been assigned to a work activity to make sure itrsquos appropriate

One sign that may indicate that the activity isnrsquot appropriate is a clientrsquos statement that she is struggling due to a health- or disability-related reason

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

37

If it the activity is not appropriate the worker should rectify the problem mdash possible actions include

mdash reassigning the client to another work activity mdash revising the hours days or times of day of the

work activity mdash revising the conditions under which the activity

is performed mdash determining that participation is not currently

feasible

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

38

bull ldquoSink or swimrdquo isnrsquot consistent with the ADA and Section 504 (It does not ensure effective and meaningful opportunity to participate) If the worker thinks that a person may be able to work but has questions related to disability the worker needs to ensure that the supports and services are in place to help the person succeed AND the worker needs to keep track of how the person is doing

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

39

3 Steps some states are taking to identify and address the needs of people with disabilities on TANF

bull At the beginning of welfare reform ldquowork firstrdquo approach

bull People labeled as ldquohard to serverdquo mdash welfare offices had simply exempted people in the past and then often ignored them

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

40

bull Same folks with disabilities that others mdash particularly organizations and agencies that have been working with people with disabilities mdash know how to help to gain greater independence

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

41

Over time state TANF programs have tended to modify their ldquowork firstrdquo approaches

bull Recognize that there are many people with barriers including disabilities on TANF

bull See people cycling back onto TANF

bull Know that many who leave TANF are not working and do not receive SSI

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

42

bull Realize that many who are being sanctioned do not understand how to comply the consequences of failing to comply or have the ability to comply

bull When better policies and procedures are put in place up-front states see reductions in sanctions rates (and increased compliance)

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

43

Examples of policies and practices

bull Pre- and post-sanction policiesbull Improved up-front processes

bull States and counties need both while there is an important role for programs that focus on families about to be sanctioned or who have been recently sanctioned better up-front procedures can lessen the numbers of families who are out of compliance in the first place

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

44

bull States such as Iowa Tennessee Maine Vermont Kentucky Arizona Oregon and Utah have procedures that help to identify the barriers a person may have earlier in the process so that the state can help the person get the services and supports needed to be able to move successfully into a work setting

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

45

bull As we go through you will see ways in which you as Disability Program Navigators might be able to facilitate the process and help TANF recipients with disabilities to get the services and supports they need to move to the next step(s) towards greater self-sufficiency

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

46

bull Also I have omitted information about the Vermont program because Michael Collins will be talking about VT on this call

bull You should note that the data from VT is impressive

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

47

Tennessee

Studies in TN were showing

bull Caseload decline of 34889 families during the first 16 months of welfare reform (996 through 1297)

bull Less than 30 percent of case closures were because the parentcaretaker was working

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

48

bull Majority of those whose cases were closed for reasons other than a job (ie request case closure failed to comply with the rules) did not have work income

bull Less than 42 percent of those sanctioned had any work income

bull 34 percent of sanctioned families said they were not able to pay the rent and 32 percent were not able to pay for utilities

bull 34 percent of those sanctioned for failure to sign a personal responsibility contract reported they did not understand what they would have to do to comply with the plan

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

49

TN Customer Service Reviews

bull TNrsquos first step was to create the Customer Service Reviews in January 1998

bull The purposes of the review are

ndash to check that the state is following its policiesndash to give the parent another chance to come

into compliance with the statersquos rules

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

50

CSR changed TNrsquos results

bull During 1999 bull About one-third of families whom the caseworker

said should receive full-family sanctions ultimately were not sanctioned after the CSR

bull In 70 percent of these cases the parents came into compliance

bull In the other 30 percent reviewers found errors in the caseworkerrsquos application of the sanction policies

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

51

bull In addition there was a reduction in the number of initial determinations to impose a sanction as the signals to caseworkers changed and they were encouraged to more completely assess their clientrsquos needs

bull But sanction review alone was not enough

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

52

TNrsquos Family Services Counseling Program for Persons with Special Needs

bull TN Department of Human Services began this program in February 2000

bull The program provides intensive counseling and advocacy for families with special needs

bull Needs can include mental impairments learning disabilities physical or mental impairments of the children domestic violence or substance abuse

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

53

TN contracted to hire 100+ masters level social workers

bull State contracted with non-profit agencies to hire the social workers known as Family Services Counselors (FSCs) They are spread throughout the state

bull Each FSC had a caseload of 30 to 40 families bull The state also contracted through the Department of

Health with 25 substance abuse treatment agencies across the state to provide treatment that is not available through Tenn Care (the statersquos Medicaid program)

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

54

bull Any Families First (TANF) participant can request to see the FSC While it is voluntary the state also can suggest that a family see the FSC such as when families are about to be sanctioned

bull Families do not have to say why they want to see the FSC And almost all information (except evidence of child abuse or of facts that affect eligibility for the state program such as unreported income) is kept confidential with the FSC ndash it does not go back to the caseworker

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

55

The FSC has important responsibilities and authoritybull Uses a screening tool and follow-up questions to

learn the problems the person faces bull Develops a plan to address these needs bull Can exempt families from time limits bull Can modify the number of hours that a family

has to participate in activities and can createrequire different activities than those normally required

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

56

bull The FSC can order needed testing including psychological testing

bull They are to act like advocates for the families

bull They can assist persons to apply for SSI and DI benefits

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

57

The TN FSC program has helped many families with barriers enter employment

bull Generally only 14 percent of the families who enter the FSC program are working at the time they enter FSC

bull However close to half of the families the successfully complete the program become employed

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

58

Iowa

bull In Iowa the state has a strong up-front assessment process coupled with a willingness to address barriers that do not manifest themselves until later in the process that has lead to greater compliance and a dramatic decline in the number of families being sanctioned

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

59

bull The average time for a family to be enrolled in Iowarsquos FaDDS program designed to help families address barriers to work and move to work is 16 months

bull During this time the family is engaged in activities that may not meet the work requirement but which the state has determined will help to address the familyrsquos barriers and move them on the road to greater self-sufficiency

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

60

Pennsylvania

bull Joint effort of PA Dept of Human Services and Congreso de Latinos Unidos a community organization in Philadelphia

bull Has ended but PA recently established new state-wide program

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

61

bull Provided intensive services to non-compliant families facing sanctions many of whom do not speak English as their first language with the goal of helping them to understand the sanction process and assisting them to come into compliance Teams conducted home visits to explain the sanction process what it takes to comply and the resources they had to assist in finding a job or work activity Staff accompanied the family to meetings with the state agency to make sure all went smoothly and the family understood what they were being told They provided follow-up contacts

bull From 699 - 200 81 of families referred to the

program were no longer at risk of sanction Post-sanction supports were provided to the other 19 to help them to come into compliance

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

62

New PA sanction policy

bull Community Connection Initiative (CCI)bull About a year ago advocates became concerned

that the number of sanctions was increasing and 88 families had been permanently barred from ever participating in TANF (for a third sanction)

bull A study commissioned by PA confirmed that many of those being sanctioned for failure to participate in work activities had good reasons For some sanction imposed after one missed appointment even though there had been an illness or family emergency

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

63

bull Under new policy (in 2004) in counties with large or medium caseloads state will allow a grassroots partner agency to intervene and try to figure out if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it

bull No sanction may take place until the CCI contractor has tried to contact the family and resolve any barriers to compliance

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

64

bull In smaller jurisdictions the PA DPW (TANF) staff fill this role

bull PA policy also now provides that sanctions are extremely serious and are to be used ldquoonly as a last resortrdquo since they donrsquot contribute to self-sufficiency

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

65

Kentucky

bull Kentucky funded a clinical program the Targeted Assessment Project to identify and address significant barriers to self-sufficiency among TANF recipients

bull The project places 32 Targeted Assessment Specialists on-site at public assistance and child protective services offices in 18 communities to conduct assessment pre-treatment and follow-up services focused on mental health domestic violence substance abuse and learning problems

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

66

bull The specialists are employed by the University of Kentucky and are experienced professionals who seek to identify the clientrsquos unique circumstances and combination of barriers and devise a customized plan for overcoming those barriers

bull The specialists then work with the clients and case managers to facilitate appropriate referrals and client follow-through with recommended services

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

67

bull 87 percent of the clients assessed over an 18 month period in 2000-2001 had at least one significant barrier while many had more than one 67 percent had significant mental health problems alone or in combination with domestic violence substance abuse andor learning problems

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

68

bull Of those assessed with a mental health problem 73 percent indicated they were not receiving services to address the problem and 44 percent said they had never received services

The Targeted Assessment Project and TANF Reauthorization Preliminary Client Data July 1 2000 to December 31 2001 prepared by the University of Kentucky Institute on Women and Substance Abuse and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children May 2002

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

69

Oregon

bull Oregon allows recipients to participate in a range of intensive mental health and substance abuse services to meet the statersquos TANF work requirement

bull Mental health staff are co-located in the TANF agency and can modify individual responsibility plans based on a familyrsquos circumstances

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

70

bull The types of activities and number of required hours can vary according to the severity of the participantrsquos condition

bull Mental health services can include a combination of individual counseling and group therapy These activities can take months to complete

bull The Oregon program focuses on gradually moving participants into more work-focused activities

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

71

bull Often recipients are placed in additional activities while in mental health or substance abuse treatment such as life-skills training or employment preparation workshops Some participants work part-time while participating in mental health or substance abuse services

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

72

New Mexico

bull Modified its work participation requirements for individuals whose disabilities require modification in work activities but are not so severe to qualify the person for exemption under the statersquos rules

bull Assessment is a key elementbull Allows for modified work plans ndash greater

flexibility regarding the types of activities and numbers of hours of participation required

bull Some of the time can be in specialized training or therapeutic activities

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

73

Arizona

bull In mid-2000 AZ implemented a policy of providing home visits through the Employment Transitions Program to families before they were sanctioned

bull The strategy was designed to help families understand why they were being sanctioned and what they needed to do to come into compliance to avoid sanction

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

74

bull Families were referred to community assistance before a first sanction

bull After these changes the sanction rate fell by half

6 Lessons Learned 6 Years Later Arizona Network for Community Responsibility August 2002

httpwwwazchildrenorgcaa_mainpagestPublications_6_year_lessons_pdf

75

Mesa County Colorado

bull Colorado has devolution to the countiesbull Sanction rate in Mesa County is very lowbull Key = pre-sanction review process for all

familiesbull Parents referred to a social worker outside the

agency who assesses reasons for non-compliance changes the individualrsquos plan to better reflect needs and barriers

bull Offers services necessary to address barriers

76

California

bull If a person is about to be sanctioned and has not been tested for a learning disability the CA regulations require that the county offer LD testing prior to imposing a sanction

bull San Francisco County contracts with legal aid to help remove clientrsquos legal barriers to work (fines penalties bars on driving etc)

77

4 Developments on TANF reauthorization

bull What is most surprising is that the Administration and many in Congress still donrsquot think of TANF as serving people with disabilities

bull As a result they have not designed their proposals to address the needs of parents and children with disabilities in TANF

78

How would provisions in the Presidentrsquos welfare proposal affect people with disabilities

bull Because the Presidentrsquos proposals do not increase funding and significantly restrict statesrsquo flexibility in how they design their TANF programs people with disabilities in TANF are very likely to face even bigger obstacles to getting help in TANF than they do now

79

Where do things stand in Congress right nowbull The 1996 law had been set to expire at the end

of Fiscal Year 2002 (September 30 2002) bull However it has received short extensions since

then while awaiting a complete reauthorizationbull The current extension continues the program

through June 30 2004 bull Before then Congress will either pass a TANF

reauthorization law another short extension or something in-between

80

House of Representatives

bull The House of Representatives passed its bill HR 4 on February 13 2003 The vote was 230-192

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

76

California

bull If a person is about to be sanctioned and has not been tested for a learning disability the CA regulations require that the county offer LD testing prior to imposing a sanction

bull San Francisco County contracts with legal aid to help remove clientrsquos legal barriers to work (fines penalties bars on driving etc)

77

4 Developments on TANF reauthorization

bull What is most surprising is that the Administration and many in Congress still donrsquot think of TANF as serving people with disabilities

bull As a result they have not designed their proposals to address the needs of parents and children with disabilities in TANF

78

How would provisions in the Presidentrsquos welfare proposal affect people with disabilities

bull Because the Presidentrsquos proposals do not increase funding and significantly restrict statesrsquo flexibility in how they design their TANF programs people with disabilities in TANF are very likely to face even bigger obstacles to getting help in TANF than they do now

79

Where do things stand in Congress right nowbull The 1996 law had been set to expire at the end

of Fiscal Year 2002 (September 30 2002) bull However it has received short extensions since

then while awaiting a complete reauthorizationbull The current extension continues the program

through June 30 2004 bull Before then Congress will either pass a TANF

reauthorization law another short extension or something in-between

80

House of Representatives

bull The House of Representatives passed its bill HR 4 on February 13 2003 The vote was 230-192

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

77

4 Developments on TANF reauthorization

bull What is most surprising is that the Administration and many in Congress still donrsquot think of TANF as serving people with disabilities

bull As a result they have not designed their proposals to address the needs of parents and children with disabilities in TANF

78

How would provisions in the Presidentrsquos welfare proposal affect people with disabilities

bull Because the Presidentrsquos proposals do not increase funding and significantly restrict statesrsquo flexibility in how they design their TANF programs people with disabilities in TANF are very likely to face even bigger obstacles to getting help in TANF than they do now

79

Where do things stand in Congress right nowbull The 1996 law had been set to expire at the end

of Fiscal Year 2002 (September 30 2002) bull However it has received short extensions since

then while awaiting a complete reauthorizationbull The current extension continues the program

through June 30 2004 bull Before then Congress will either pass a TANF

reauthorization law another short extension or something in-between

80

House of Representatives

bull The House of Representatives passed its bill HR 4 on February 13 2003 The vote was 230-192

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

78

How would provisions in the Presidentrsquos welfare proposal affect people with disabilities

bull Because the Presidentrsquos proposals do not increase funding and significantly restrict statesrsquo flexibility in how they design their TANF programs people with disabilities in TANF are very likely to face even bigger obstacles to getting help in TANF than they do now

79

Where do things stand in Congress right nowbull The 1996 law had been set to expire at the end

of Fiscal Year 2002 (September 30 2002) bull However it has received short extensions since

then while awaiting a complete reauthorizationbull The current extension continues the program

through June 30 2004 bull Before then Congress will either pass a TANF

reauthorization law another short extension or something in-between

80

House of Representatives

bull The House of Representatives passed its bill HR 4 on February 13 2003 The vote was 230-192

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

79

Where do things stand in Congress right nowbull The 1996 law had been set to expire at the end

of Fiscal Year 2002 (September 30 2002) bull However it has received short extensions since

then while awaiting a complete reauthorizationbull The current extension continues the program

through June 30 2004 bull Before then Congress will either pass a TANF

reauthorization law another short extension or something in-between

80

House of Representatives

bull The House of Representatives passed its bill HR 4 on February 13 2003 The vote was 230-192

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

80

House of Representatives

bull The House of Representatives passed its bill HR 4 on February 13 2003 The vote was 230-192

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

81

Senate

bull The Finance Committee marked up its bill also known as HR 4 in September 2003

bull The full Senate began consideration of the bill in March 2004 and passed an important amendment increasing the funds available for child care assistance

bull However the bill had to be pulled when the parties could not agree on how to proceed with other amendments

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

82

bull It is possible that the Senate will consider the bill this month but itrsquos also possible that there may be some form of another extension instead

bull The next few slides describe some of the key issues for people with disabilities in the TANF reauthorization bills

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

83

Important questions for families with disabilities

1 What does ldquouniversal engagementrdquo mean

2 Hours

of hours required

credit for partial work

what counts as work activity

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

84

Assessments

Current law

State must conduct an initial assessment of skills prior work experience and employability within 30 days of a recipientrsquos enrollment in TANF

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

85

House bill

Similar to current law

Senate Finance bill

Similar but also requires screening and assessing for work barriers work supports other assistance and family support services well-being of children

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

86

Universal engagement

Current law

States must ensure that adults are ldquoengaged in workrdquo as determined by the state within 24 months

State option to develop Individual Responsibility Plans for recipients

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

87

House bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment Plan must detail work activities

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

88

Senate Finance bill

States must develop self-sufficiency plans for all parents and caretakers receiving assistance within 60 days of TANF enrollment

States must outline in TANF plan how they intend to require parents and caregivers to engage in work or other sufficiency activities

Each plan must contain activities designed to assist the family achieve their maximum degree of self-sufficiency supportive services that the state intends to provide steps to promote child well-being and information on work support assistance for which the family may be eligible

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

89

Work participation rates

Current law 50 FY 2003 and later

(important role of caseload reduction credit)

House bill 55 FY 2005 60 FY 2006 65 FY 2007 70 FY 2008

Senate Finance bill same as House

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

90

Participation rate credit

Current law caseload reduction credit (CRC)

House bill retains CRC but bases it only on recent declines in caseload

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

91

Senate Finance bill

Replaces with an employment credit

mdash of families employed after leaving cash assistance

mdash larger credit families whigher earnings

mdash state can include families who received short-term benefits and earned at least $1000 in quarter after receiving the benefit or TANF-funded child care or transportation subsidies

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

92

mdash credits are capped and can not reduce a statersquos work rate by more than specified amounts (40 in FY2004 declining to 20 in FY 2008)

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

93

Hours of participation

Current law 30 hoursweek

if child under age 6 20 hoursweek

no partial credit for families engaged in work activity but for fewer hours

House bill 160 hoursmonth regardless of childrsquos age

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

94

Senate Finance bill 34 hoursweek

if child is under age 6 24 hours

partial credit for single parents who

participate for 20+ hours

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

95

What counts as work

Current law

Primary work activity first 20 hours

paid or unpaid work including OJT work experience and community service

vocational educational training (12 months)

job search (6 weeks)

providing child care for other participants

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

96

Secondary mdash hours over 20 can be

any of the above

job skills training

education related to employment

satisfactory secondary school attendance

or participation in GED classes

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

97

House bill 24 hours and limits countable activities to

paid or unpaid work including OJT supervised work experience supervised community service

may count other ldquoqualified activitiesrdquo (state decides) for only 3 months in any 24 month period

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

98

Senate Finance bill primary 24 hours

primary activities under current law

certain ldquobarrier removalrdquo activities and education activities up to 6 months in a 24 month period

in months 4-6 barrier removal activities must be combined with some work or work readiness activities

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

99

After first 24 hours of work activity can count

current law plus substance abuse

counseling or treatment

programs designed to remove barriers

post-secondary education

adult literacy programs or activities

programs covered under a waiver

approved for any state after 82296

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

100

And under Senate Finance bill a state may deem a single parent caring for a child with a disability or adult relative with a disability to meet all or part of the work requirement (There are certain documentation rules that will apply)

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

101

S 1523 The Pathways to Independence Act of 2003

bull Important development July 2003

bull Bipartisan Senators Smith (R-OR) Jeffords (I-VT) Conrad (D-ND) Collins (R-ME) and Chafee (R-RI)

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

102

S1523 provides

bull States can count as work activity caring for a child with a disability or an adult relative with a disability

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

103

bull Rehab services count as work activity according to the following rules

First 3 months all

Second 3 months must do ldquosomerdquo work activity too

(continued rarr)

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

104

bull After six months

Builds on partial work credits in Senate Finance bill

If a person is determined to need rehab services beyond six months up to frac12 of required hours can be in rehab services so long as at least frac12 of required hours are in work activities

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

105

Improvements included in the Senate Finance bill that are important to people with disabilities

bull Allows states to count as work the time that a caretaker relative spends caring for a child with disabilities or an adult relative with disabilities (amendment by Senator Conrad)

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

106

bull Rehab services can count as work for 6 months not three (amendments by Senators Hatch and Jeffords)

bull There also is modest language saying that a state has to review the personrsquos individual responsibility plan prior to imposing a sanction and make a good faith effort to meet with the person (amendments by Senators Hatch and Kerry)

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

107

bull So two parts of S 1523 are included in the Senate Finance bill caring for a child or adult relative with a disability and allowing rehab services to count for up to 6 months

bull Advocates for people with disabilities are working to get the last piece of S 1523 mdash give states ability to go beyond six months on rehab services where needed

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

108

S Amendment 2965

bull Introduced by Senator Jeffords (I-VT) on March 31 2004 (see page S3471 Congressional Record)

bull Co-sponsored by Senators Smith (R-OR) Collins (R-ME) Chafee (R-RI) Rockefeller (D-WV) and Landrieu (D-LA)

bull With some modifications in language like S 1523 seeks to give states the ability to count rehabilitative services as work activity for people with disabilities beyond six months

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

109

bull Senators were required to file their proposed amendments during the last debate No action was taken on most amendments before consideration of the bill was suspended

bull The Senate may consider this amendment if it resumes consideration of welfare reauthorization

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg

110

bull Important role of the CCD TANF Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

bull CCD website wwwc-c-dorg