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Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2004
Kansas


Section A

1. The state’s definition of each work activity:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 6-10.

2. A description of the transitional services provided to families no longer receiving assistance due to employment:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, p. 11.

3. A description of how the state reduces the amount of assistance payable to a family when an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 11-14 for a description of the sanction for failure to meet work program requirements.

4. The average number of payments for child care services made by the state through the use of disregards by child care type:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Child Care Disregards,” p. 3.

5. A description of the strategies and procedures in place to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive appropriate alternative services and an aggregate figure for the total number of good cause domestic violence waivers granted:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 4-6, regarding the family violence option. Twenty-four local TANF offices have an on-site domestic violence advocate for safety planning and crisis counseling. In all other locations of the state, TANF recipients who have disclosed domestic violence issues or for whom domestic violence issues are suspected are referred to community domestic violence advocates for safety planning and crisis counseling. Following is more detailed information about the implementation of the family violence option in Kansas:

TANF recipients who are victims of domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) may be placed in the domestic violence/sexual assault work component (commonly referred to as OARS (Orientation, Assessment, Referral, and Safety)) in cases where work program compliance in other components would:


1. Make it more difficult for such individuals and/or their children to escape domestic violence, or

2. Unfairly penalize those who are or have been victimized by such violence or who are at risk of further domestic violence.

When determining the existence of DV/SA as a barrier to employment or for determining good cause for noncompliance with work program activities, an individual’s statement and one corroborating piece of evidence shall ordinarily meet the burden of proof. If there is a need for additional verification, case managers suspend placement of the victim in non-OARS work components while awaiting verification. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, documentation from a DV/SA worker; police or court records; protection from abuse orders (filed for and/or obtained); attorney, clergy, medical, or other professional from whom the applicant/recipient has sought assistance; or other corroborating evidence such as a statement from any other individual with knowledge of the circumstances which provide the basis for the claim, or physical evidence of domestic violence, or any other evidence which supports the statement. In extremely rare situations such as when an individual is in hiding and is afraid that there could be a leak of information that could reveal her whereabouts and where the case manager does not doubt the veracity of the individual’s statement, a written statement from the victim meets the burden of proof.

When an individual discloses domestic violence/sexual assault, case managers do not require the victim to participate in specific work activities that could jeopardize her safety or children’s safety. However, case managers do not exclude individuals from activities that DV/SA staff have indicated would not endanger their safety.

Disclosure of domestic violence and acceptance of work program modifications is voluntary on the part of the victim. At any time, a victim may choose not to discuss domestic violence/sexual assault issues and choose not to be placed in OARS. At that point, placement in other work activities is required.

Local area TANF staff are responsible for the following:

• Screen and identify individuals who have applied for or are receiving TAF assistance to determine current or past history of domestic violence/sexual assault, while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals. Initial screening is completed before placement in any component; ongoing screening occurs during routine contacts;

• Provide or obtain individual safety assessments and develop temporary safety and service (OARS) plans that protect victims from any immediate dangers, stabilize their living situations, and explore avenues for achieving economic independence. Teamwork and communication between the DV/SA provider, TANF staff, and other involved employment service providers is employed. Where appropriate, for safety and protection of victims, and where resources permit, safety planning is the responsibility of the DV/SA agency (on or off-site). In order to develop an appropriate and safe plan, DV/SA staff will provide recommendations regarding safety, verification of the existence of DV/SA, work program placement, OARS program activities, and compliance through regular case consultation and documented via a turnaround and status change form.

The safety/service plans are developed by a person trained in domestic violence and follows the guidelines listed below. (Note: DV/SA staff and TANF staff who have received training designed by the Kansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse are considered “persons trained in domestic violence” for these purposes.)

a. OARS plans constitute all or part of the TANF Self-Sufficiency Agreement
b. The plans identify the specific program requirements from which an individual is excused
c. The plans reflect the alternative services chosen as a result of the individualized assessment and any revisions indicated by subsequent re-determinations
d. The plans are safety-focused and, where appropriate, contain employment goals.

Applicants or recipients who have voluntarily disclosed are placed in the OARS component unless they specifically request not to be. Domestic violence/sexual assault safety planning, counseling, and/or other supportive services are provided by the TANF case manager or through referral to the DM/SA agency. To meet the component requirements, OARS participants are required to participate in the development and execution of a plan that includes appropriate and safe activities.

Following safety planning, local DV/SA staff team with the TANF case manager to refine the self-sufficiency plan to reflect placement or removal from components and to provide the necessary TANF support services.

Penalties are not applied for failure to comply with OARS work component activities. OARS participants who do not follow through with OARS activities are reassessed and, if appropriate, reassigned to OARS activities or, if no longer desiring OARS participation, reassigned to other work program activities. Penalties may be applied in cases where individuals do not respond to appointment letters. In these situations, case managers make thorough efforts to determine if good cause due to DV/SA exists.

A reassessment takes place at least every six months to determine if the family violence option waivers are still necessary and if the service plan remains appropriate.

Aggregate figure for the total number of good cause domestic violence waivers granted:

During Fiscal Year 2004, 2,152 TANF recipients disclosed domestic violence issues. During the fiscal year, 1,221 persons were determined to require a family violence waiver. (Some of these were continuations from the prior year.)

6. A description of any non-recurrent, short-term benefits provided:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Family Emergency Assistance,” pp. 16-17. In addition, applicants who receive employment services but are subsequently determined ineligible receive non-recurrent, short-term benefits.

7. A description of the procedures the state has established and is maintaining to resolve displacement complaints:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Displacement Complaints,” pp. 14-16.

8. A summary of state programs and activities directed at the third and fourth statutory purposes of TANF:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “A Summary of State Activities Toward Reducing Out-of-Wedlock Births and Promoting Marriage,” pp. 28-30.

9. An estimate of the total number of individuals who have participated in subsidized employment: 306 (26 per month)


Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs: ACF-204

 

State: Kansas      Fiscal Year:

Date Submitted:
December 10, 2004

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF)

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF), pp. 1-16

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF), p. 1.

4. Program Type. (Check one)
__X__ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
______ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

N/A

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $26,207,508

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $26,207,508

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 16,218
This last figure represents (check one):
__X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
______ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Eligibility), pp. 1-3.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: N/A

(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."


SIGNATURE:___________________________________

NAME: Gary Daniels

TITLE: Acting Secretary, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services


Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/2002.


Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs: ACF-204

State: Kansas      Fiscal Year: 2004

Date Submitted: December 10, 2004

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Family Emergency Assistance

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

See the Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 16-18.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

See the Kansas TANF State Plan, p. 17, “Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Expenditures.”
No MOE expenditures are claimed for the cost of foster care or for children who are in foster care. MOE expenditures are claimed for doing assessments of families reported for abuse and neglect and for providing services to keep families together and the children in the home of their parents, in keeping with the first goal of the TANF program.

4. Program Type. (Check one)
_X__This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_____ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program): N/A

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,560,170

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for
the Fiscal Year: $1,357,412

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 732

This last figure represents (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

See the Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 16-17.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: N/A

(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."


SIGNATURE:___________________________________

NAME: Gary Daniels

TITLE: Acting Secretary, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services


Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/2002.


Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs: ACF-204

State: Kansas      Fiscal Year: 2004

Date Submitted: December 10, 2004

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Family Preservation

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 18-19.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, pp. 18.

4. Program Type. (Check one)
_X__This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_____ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program): N/A

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,562,272

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for
the Fiscal Year: $2,489,948

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 5,258

This last figure represents (check one):
_____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
__X__ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

•Having a child at risk of out-of-home placement

• The parent or caretaker of the child lacks the means to pay for family preservation services or refuses to do so

• Services and assistance necessary to meet the family preservation need are allowable if the assistance is not provided under Title IV-E or Title XIX

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: N/A

(NOTE: provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."


SIGNATURE:___________________________________

NAME: Gary Daniels

TITLE: Acting Secretary, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services


Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/2002.



Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs: ACF-204

State: Kansas      Fiscal Year: 2004

Date Submitted: December 10, 2004

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Refundable Income Tax Credits,” p. 19.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Refundable Income Tax Credits,” p. 19.

4. Program Type. (Check one)
____ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
__X_ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

None

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $33,794,889

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $27,337,955*

*Note: Only the refundable portion of the state earned income tax credit has been claimed as MOE.

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 90,523

This last figure represents (check one):
____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
__X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

See Kansas TANF State Plan, “Refundable Income Tax Credits,” p. 19. All Kansas residents eligible for a federal earned income tax credit are eligible for a state earned income tax credit.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes __ No _X__

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $ 0

(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."


SIGNATURE:___________________________________

NAME: Gary Daniels

TITLE: Acting Secretary, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services


Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/2002.


Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs: ACF-204


State: Kansas      Fiscal Year: 2004
Date Submitted: December 10, 2004

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

TAF Child Care

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

Subsidized child care assistance

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

To provide child care assistance to TAF families who are working or engaged in work activities.

4. Program Type. (Check one)
_X_ This Program is operated under the TANF program.
____ This Program is a separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program): N/A

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $6,673,024

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the
Fiscal Year: $6,673,024

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 1,735

This last figure represents (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
_____ The total served over the fiscal year.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Must be a TAF cash assistance recipient who is working or participating in a work or training activity.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: N/A

(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."


SIGNATURE:___________________________________

NAME: Gary Daniels

TITLE: Acting Secretary, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services


Approved OMB No. 0970-0199 Form ACF-204, expires 6/30/2002.




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