Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs

Administration for Children and Families

	Search:

	Questions? \| Privacy \| Site Index \| Contact Us \| Download Reader™ \| Print

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2005
Oregon

Appendix A

Annual Reporting On TANF Programs Under 45 CFR 265.9(b)

Each State must provide the following information on the TANF program (for the previous fiscal year):

(1) The State's definition of each work activity;

The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program is Oregon’s welfare-to-work program. Education, training and job placement services are provided to TANF clients to help them prepare for, find, and keep a job. These employment program activities include:

(a) Unsubsidized employment, including branch and contractor managed employment retention services;

(b) Subsidized private-sector employment, including sheltered/supported work;

(c) Subsidized public-sector employment, including sheltered/supported work

(d) Work experience if sufficient private-sector employment is not available, including voluntary work experience, work supplementation and JOBS Plus worksite placement;

(e) On-the-job training (OJT);

(f) Job search and job readiness assistance, including:

(i) Supplemental job search,
(ii) Initial job search (applicants and recipients),
(iii) Regular job search,
(iv) Crisis intervention services (such as legal services, food banks, emergency IV-E services, etc.),
(v) Domestic violence services (referrals to domestic violence programs, safe houses, developing safety plans, etc.),
(vi) Intervention (obtaining child care for employment or employment activities, citizenship classes or services, non-emergency services, etc.),
(vii) Life skills (courses that teach clients workplace basic skills such as prompt arrival for work, workplace communications norms, etc.),
(viii) Medical issue services (compliance with medical recovery plans for injured clients, etc.),
(ix) Other counseling/treatment (counseling necessary for the client to function in the workplace or counseling for children in the family),
(x) Program entry (initial client skill and need assessment),
(xi) Parent training services (non-emergency Title IV-E counseling programs for parents, parenting skills classes, Head Start, etc.),
(xii) Stabilizing living situation/housing (services to obtain or keep housing),
(xiii) Teen parent counseling (career counseling for teens, second-pregnancy prevention counseling, etc.);

(g) Community service programs;

(h) Vocational educational training;

(i) Job skills training directly related to employment, including Job Skills training and English as a Second Language;

(j) Education directly related to employment, in the case of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency, including Adult Basic Education, attending high school;

(k) Satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence, if a recipient has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate;

(l) Providing child care services to an individual who is participating in a community service program;

(m) Drug and Alcohol addiction assessment and treatment; and

(n) Mental health assessment and treatment.

(2) A description of the transitional services provided to families no longer receiving assistance due to employment;

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is very concerned that TANF clients who become employed through the JOBS Program are able to continue working and moving toward self-sufficiency.

JOBS participants may receive transitional benefits and services after they become employed and lose TANF eligibility due to income. If they lose TANF eligibility due to other reasons while participating in a JOBS activity, they may lose transitional benefits and services to finish that activity. These transitional benefits and services include:

(a) 12 months of Extended Medical Program benefits;
(b) Support service payments when needed to support employment and long term self-sufficiency, when no other resources exist. This may include money for tools, transportation, car insurance, clothing or uniforms;
(c) Ongoing case management time spent helping the client identify and access other resources, retain the job and enhance wages, reduce dependence on other program benefits, and make the adjustment to the world of work;
(d) Employment Related Day Care benefits without time limit; and
(e) Retention activities to maintain employment and enhance wages.

(3) A description of how a State will reduce the amount of assistance payable to a family when an individual refuses to engage in work without good cause pursuant to §261.14;

The purpose of disqualifications is to encourage cooperation with JOBS/self-sufficiency program requirements and activities in order to help children out of poverty. All clients are provided the opportunity to participate in JOBS activities and are informed of the consequences for failure to cooperate. DHS encourages and supports participation, using disqualifications only as a last resort; i.e., only when all attempts to encourage and facilitate participation have failed.

Disqualified clients are informed that they may end their disqualification at any time by contacting the case manager and engaging in prescribed JOBS/self-sufficiency activities to demonstrate cooperation: the cooperation ‘door’ remains open.

JOBS disqualifications are progressive, with two months of penalties to be served at each of the first two levels. The count of disqualification months never starts over: once the client has been disqualified at the third level, they never return to the first level.

(a) The penalty for the first two months is a $50 decrease in the TANF grant. This is the first level of disqualification.

(b) The penalty for the third and fourth months of disqualification is removal of the needs of the non-cooperating client from the TANF grant. The penalty for all clients who are not in the Need group is a continuation of the $50 grant reduction. For example, a work-authorized in-eligible non-citizen who fails to cooperate would have a continuation of the $50 grant reduction because that person’s needs were already removed from the grant. This is the second level of disqualification.

(c) The penalty for the fifth and successive months of disqualification is TANF ineligibility for the entire benefit group. This is the third level of disqualification. Before applying a third level qualification, the branch must:

(i) Provide intensive case-management services.

(ii) Make a home visit unless an exception is granted by a manager.

(iii) Make a plan, with community-partner involvement, that addresses the safety of the children. This may include follow-up home visits, protective service referrals or other community involvement. The plan should be in place before the planned closure date. If the plan is not completed, the grant must remain open, in protective pay status, while the plan is being completed.

(iv) Have management review and approval before ending cash benefits.

DHS counts both of the following as a month of disqualification:

(a) Any month in which the client is disqualified for even one day; and

(b) The month in which a disqualification would have become effective, if the client had not successfully demonstrated cooperation before the effective date.

(4) The average monthly number of payments for childcare services made by the State through the use of disregards, by the following types of childcare providers

(i) Licensed / regulated in home childcare;

(ii) Licensed / regulated family childcare;

(iii) Licensed / regulated group home childcare;

(iv) Licensed / regulated center based childcare;

(v) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) in home childcare provided by a non-relative;

(vi) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) in home childcare provided by a relative;

(vii) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) family childcare provided by a non-relative;

(viii) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) family childcare provided by a relative;

(ix) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) group childcare provided by a non-relative;

(x) Legally operating (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) group childcare provided by a relative; and

(xi) Legally operated (i.e., no license category available in State or locality) center based childcare;

Oregon makes no payments to childcare providers through the use of disregards. When childcare issues are a barrier to employment or employment program participation for TANF clients, DHS pays for the childcare directly.

(5) If the State has adopted the Family Violence Option and wants Federal recognition of its good cause domestic violence waivers under subpart B of part 260, 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 waivers granted;

Oregon has done the following:

(a) Established and enforced standards and procedures to screen and identify individuals receiving assistance with a history of domestic violence while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals;

(b) Created a system for referring such individuals to counseling and supportive services: and

(c) Directed staff to waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause, other program requirements (for so long as necessary) for individuals receiving assistance, in cases where there is a potential safety concern for the client (see below).
For safety reasons, Oregon does not track the number of domestic violence waivers granted. Our belief is that if we were to create an identifier on the computer to track such waivers, the safety of clients could be compromised by batterers who are agency staff, contractor/partner staff of those skilled at breaking into computer systems.

(6) A description of any non-recurrent, short-term benefits provided, including:

(i) The eligibility criteria associated with such benefits, including any restrictions on the amount, duration, or frequency of payments;
The Assessment Program provides initial assessment, case management and cash assistance. The intent of the Assessment Program is to:

(a) Convey and reinforce the message that TANF is primarily a self-sufficiency development/achievement program as opposed to an income maintenance program.

(b) Expose individuals to self-sufficiency participation requirements.

(c) Help individuals recognize their own strengths and find employment or other alternatives before they become dependent on public assistance.

(d) Assess individual’s employment potential in the labor market and help determine the services needed to enhance their employability.

(e) Use a family assessment process to help determine the appropriate case plan of activities to enhance self-sufficiency.

(f) Meet maintenance needs concurrent with development of a case plan for employment and self-sufficiency services.

(g) Gather information from the family assessment to determine when (or if) to open ongoing TANF.

Payments are made to meet the family’s basic living expenses and to support participation in assigned activities. Basic living expenses include, but are not limited to, shelter costs, utilities, household supplies and personal incidentals. Payments to cover the costs of the basic living expenses are limited to 200% of the TANF Payment Standard. Support Service needs include, but are not limited to, childcare, transportation, tools, fees, and counseling.

In order to receive a JOBS support service payment, a client has to meet both of the following criteria:

1. The client has to be one of the following people, and:

a. A TANF applicant or recipient;

b. Participating in the Assessment program;

c. A minor parent who has become ineligible for TANF because they returned to the parent's home (per TANF policy) in the last 40 days;

d. A TANF client participating in substance abuse or mental health diagnosis, counseling or treatment programs;

e. A TA-DVS client who is receiving TA-DVS benefits and cooperating with the conditions of a safety plan;

f. A non-citizen who is ineligible for TANF but who is legally able to work in the United States, and has a child receiving TANF;

g. Disqualified from the TANF program for failure to comply with the Child Support requirements without good cause;

h. Non-custodial parents of children who receive TANF in Oregon. The non-custodial parent must reside in Oregon and have a demonstrated need for such a payment in order to cooperate with their case plan; or

i. A client who has left TANF due to employment who is cooperating with a case plan.

2. The client has agreed to participate in an activity as outlined in the case plan. If the activities listed on the case plan are not agreeable to the client, or if the client is requesting case plan activities that are outside of what DHS wants or can provide, case managers should work with the client to find a mutually agreeable solution.
DHS may reduce, close or deny all or part of an individual's request for a JOBS support service payment if any of the following are true:

(a) The client does not meet the definition of an eligible person as set out above;

(b) The individual making the request for the JOBS support service payment is disqualified for non-cooperation with their case plan. However, the branch may authorize
JOBS support service payments to disqualified clients if these payments are necessary for the client to re-engage in the JOBS program and end their current disqualification;

(c) The request is not related to the individual's case plan; or

(d) A lower cost or no-cost alternative is available.

Support payments for childcare will be provided, as limited by OAR 461-160-0040, when necessary to enable the individual to participate in JOBS program activities.

Payments for childcare will be made for:

(a) The lesser of the actual rate charged by the care provider or the rate established in OAR 461-155-0150. The Department rate for children in care less than 158 hours in a month is limited by OAR 461-155-0150, except that child care may be paid up to the monthly maximum when children are in care less than 158 hours per month and appropriate care is not accessible to the individual at the hourly rate or the individual is a teen parent using on-site care while attending education activities.

(b) The minimum hours necessary, including meal and commute time, for the individual to participate in JOBS activities or to obtain and maintain employment.

The Assessment Program ends no later than 45 calendar days after the date of request for TANF. It can end in less than 45 days under the following circumstances:

(a) The client begins full or part-time employment that is expected to result in, or lead to, self-sufficiency.

(b) DHS determines that the client is unlikely to benefit from continued Assessment Program participation due to their circumstances, such as situations of domestic violence.

(c) The TANF application is withdrawn or denied.

(d) The client does not cooperate with Assessment Program employment requirements and does not have a good cause.

If clients refuse without good cause to cooperate with their case plan or treatment, the Assessment Program is ended. Their TANF grant will be opened with a disqualification and without the Cooperation Incentive payments. Clients who are exempt from JOBS Program disqualification have their TANF grant opened without the Cooperation Incentive payments added to their grant.

An individual who is at risk of qualifying for the TANF program is eligible for JOBS support service payments to retain a job when the individual is ineligible for TANF due solely to earned income. A client who is eligible for TANF or the Assessment program cannot receive an "at risk" payment. If a client is ineligible for TANF for reasons other than income, such as deprivation, there is no eligibility for an "at risk" payment. To determine why an applicant is ineligible for TANF, the applicant must complete the TANF application process. Verbal requests for "at risk" payments are not valid until the TANF application process has been completed.

The amount of the support service payment is limited to the amount necessary to keep the job. The person can be eligible for the payment if:

(a) Loss of the job in question would result, within a month, in the individual having income less than the TANF Adjusted Income/Payment Standard; and

(b) Without the support payment the client would lose the job, and with the support payment the client would not lose the job; and

(c) The person completes a TANF application and provides needed verification so that they can be determined to meet all TANF eligibility requirements with the exception of earned income.

(d) The total of payments on behalf of "at-risk" clients for basic living expenses (such as shelter, utilities, household supplies other than food and personal incidentals) may not exceed 200% of the TANF Adjusted Income/Payment Standard per OAR 461-155-0030.

(ii) Any policies that limit such payments to families that are eligible for TANF assistance or that have the effect of delaying or suspending a family's eligibility for assistance; and
Clients must be presumed eligible for TANF in order to enter the Assessment Program. Presumed eligible means that they must meet all TANF eligibility factors but they may still not have verified all eligibility factors. As noted above, if the client has not attached to the labor market within 45 days and become ineligible due to income, the TANF case is opened.

(iii) Any procedures or activities developed under the TANF program to ensure that individuals diverted from assistance receive information about, referrals to, or access to other program benefits (such as Medicaid and food stamps) that might help them make the transition from welfare to work;

Clients receive services and benefits through a program of coordinated case management. This means that DHS case managers instruct clients on all programs that DHS administers, including Medicaid, Food Stamp and Employment Related Day Care benefits. Clients currently apply for all DHS programs on the same application, ensuring that there are no unnecessary barriers to accessing benefits. All DHS offices have written material in the form of pamphlets for clients regarding all DHS program benefits.

(7) A description of the procedures the State has established and is maintaining to resolve displacement complaints, pursuant to section 407(f)(3) of the Act. This description must include the name of the State agency with the lead responsibility for administering this provision and explanations of how the State has notified the public about these procedures and how an individual can register a complaint;

TANF clients who are assigned to voluntary work experience or JOBS Plus activities may not displace workers per section 407(f)(3) of the Social Security Act. Job developers are given detailed instruction to notify potential employers about making sure that no current staff member is to be displaced by TANF clients who participate in work experience activities. All JOBS Plus program contracts require employers to sign a statement attesting to the fact that they are displacing no workers due to these work experience positions. If workers believe that they have been improperly or unfairly displaced because of TANF clients in a voluntary work experience or JOBS Plus activity, they may appeal to the DHS work experience coordinator. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has the lead responsibility for administering this provision.

(8) A summary of State programs and activities directed at the third and fourth statutory purposes of TANF (as specified at §260.20(c) and (d) of this chapter);

Oregon has a number of initiatives and activities aimed at the third and fourth statutory purposes of the TANF Program. Oregon has a multi-agency initiative that is working to end teen sexual coercion. The Adolescent Sexual Coercion Initiative (ASCI) is a taskforce composed of representatives from several agencies who work together to end sexual coercion against teens. Which is lead by DHS’s Family Planning Program. The work group has accomplished the following:

(a) Held and facilitated meetings to establish clear abuse and referral policies and protocols that meet the needs of adolescents, local agencies and family planning clinics.

(b) Researched Oregon state mandatory reporting laws and laws in other Title X region states.

(c) Developed an Oregon sexual offenses chart, a sexual abuse screening and reporting protocol, and a base line child sexual abuse assessment tool for family planning policy evaluation and discussion with local counsel.

(d) Facilitated meetings on adolescent sexual coercion policy that included family planning clinics, sexual assault agencies, law enforcement, Oregon Department of Human Services child welfare staff, school counselors, and probation officers. Meetings took place in Baker, Malheur, Coos, Clatsop, Columbia, Curry, Tillamook, and Wasco counties.
Members of the Initiative developed and distributed the following educational materials:

(a) Adolescent Sexual Coercion Teen Poster Series (English and Spanish)

(b) The Dating Bill of Rights

(c) Do You Have a Healthy Relationship?

(d) How to Deal with Sexual Pressure

(e) Preventing Uncomfortable Sexual Situations

(f) Are You Being Pressured to Have Sex?

The poster series gained statewide and national recognition. The posters were used in the 2005 Oregon teen pregnancy prevention campaign. They have been distributed to all family planning clinics, rape prevention education grantees, Reduce Adolescent Pregnancy

Project (RAPP) AmeriCorps members, Planned Parenthood, and teen pregnancy prevention coalitions. The CDC funded National Sexual Violence Resource Center requested the posters for their library.

Members of the Adolescent Sexual Coercion Initiative developed and provide the following adolescent sexual coercion training and guidelines.

(a) Provided adolescent sexual coercion screening and counseling training for Tillamook, Coos, Malheur, Baker, Curry, Crook, Jefferson, Deschutes, Wasco, Clatsop and Washington counties.

(b) In addition to family planning clinic staff, trained sexual assault and women’s crisis agencies; county health department staff, administrators and health officer; state child protective services staff; school staff; probation officers; and police officers.

The Initiative provided family planning clinic guidelines entitled Adolescent Sexual Coercion: Identification, Prevention and Response. The guidelines include sexual abuse definitions, a sexual interaction continuum, three screening tools, characteristics and warning signs, screening and counseling tips, communication skills, adolescent relationship issues, and client education materials. Materials we developed include an adolescent sexual coercion fact sheet, a screening and reporting protocol, a sexual coercion screening tool, client-centered counseling steps, How to Deal with Counseling Outcomes, child sexual abuse policy assessment tool, Oregon sexual offenses chart, sexual abuse reporting background, and five teen sexual coercion posters. The guidelines were used for training 200 Multnomah County family planning clinic staff and requested by 13 school-based health centers and six primary care clinics in Multnomah County.

Statewide, DHS has long emphasized service to teen parents. Currently, all teen parents receiving TANF are expected to engage in JOBS/self-sufficiency activities. Much of that focus is on returning teens to school, or keeping them in school, to ensure that they earn a high school diploma or GED. In 1995, Oregon found that of the 8,283 pregnancies to women under 20 yrs., 60% had not received a GED or high school diploma. In addition to the focus on JOBS services, one major program addressing teen pregnancy prevention operates statewide and many prevention efforts are occurring on the local community/county level.

The Oregon Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Action Agenda (Action Agenda) is the blueprint for teen pregnancy prevention. It was created through the involvement of community and partner stakeholders as a comprehensive approach to reducing teen pregnancy statewide. Our approach does not emphasize one method to the exclusion of the others. All of the strategies work together to support our goal of 24 pregnancies per 1000 girls age 15-17 in 2005 and 20 pregnancies per 1000 girls age 15-17 by 2010.

At the direction of the Governor, the Action Agenda is being updated to include adolescent sexual health because teen pregnancy prevention efforts find greatest success within the broader context of healthy sexuality. State agency representatives from the Department of Human Services, Commission on Children and Families and the Department of Education, who have been responsible for overseeing Oregon’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Action Agenda, met with representatives from Oregon’s Planned Parenthood affiliates and the Oregon Teen Pregnancy Task Force to develop recommendations for the next phase of teen pregnancy prevention in Oregon.

Through diligent work, this ad hoc committee was able to craft a proposal that is a first for Oregon and likely precedent setting for the rest of the country. Through a collaborative working relationship, the proposal brings together a public/private partnership representing a variety of beliefs and approaches to leverage assets, skills, services and expertise to significantly enhance our individual efforts to promote the health and well being of Oregon’s young people.

A comprehensive planning process is being developed which local communities and their youth will direct. Community forums will engage community members, parents, and teens. Other methods of data collection will include, but are not limited to, action research and surveys.

Teen pregnancy prevention coalitions are community-based efforts to advocate for services, information and leadership committed to the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Local citizens knowledgeable about this issue complete a community review. The review identifies which components of a comprehensive pregnancy prevention program a community already has, and what gaps exist in youth services, media coverage or local leadership. The local coalition makes a long-term commitment to work together to advocate and educate relevant community organizations and institutions to implement needed changes. They strive for broad-based community representation and support multiple comprehensive approaches to prevent adolescent pregnancy, focusing on strategies in Oregon’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Action Agenda. Representatives may include:

(a) Social Service Agencies (State, Local, County) including child protective services, welfare, A&D, volunteer programs, WIA Youth, etc.

(b) Youth Organizations and Non-Profits (Scouts, YM/WCA, Campfire, Big Brother/Sister)

(c) Health and Medical (county Health Dept., doctors, clinic staff, birthing centers, etc.)

(d) Schools

(e) Organizations serving minorities

(f) County and local government (city council, mayor, commissioners, parks, libraries, etc.)

(g) Faith-based organizations

(h) Law Enforcement (police, juvenile, probation, judges)

(i) Media (newspapers, radio, TV)

(j) Businesses who sell to youth

(k) Local businesses, granges, etc.

(l) Local service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, AAUW, Elks, etc.)

(m) Parents

(n) Teens

Thanks to the work of both public and private associations such as The National Bureau of Maternal and Child Health and Resource Development, and the Stanford Center For Research in Disease Prevention we know that coalitions of community-based agencies can and have substantially reduced adolescent pregnancy. Coalitions help communities change the life course for many of their teenagers. Interested communities that want to take action to reduce the incidence of pregnancy among teens may contact the State Prevention Analyst.

STUDENTS TODAY AREN’T READY FOR SEX (STARS)

(a) Target Population: 6th and 7th grade students and high school teen leaders.

(b) Description: STARS is an abstinence education program based on the Postponing Sexual Involvement curriculum. It is based on the belief that young teens should postpone sexual involvement. High school students are trained as educators and act as role models for their younger peers. The STARS Program provides young students with the skills and information they need to postpone sexual involvement. STARS began in four Oregon schools in 1995.

(c) Content: Teen leaders, who are trained in a two-day workshop and accompanied by an adult facilitator, present a classroom session once a week for five weeks. They assist young teens to recognize social and peer pressures to become sexually involved, provide information about the consequences of early sexual involvement, and teach young teens assertiveness skills, which helps them resist pressure to become sexually involved. The program emphasizes skill-building rather than just delivery of information and makes extensive use of props, posters, and interactive learning experiences appropriate to young adolescents. The STARS Program has been successfully implemented in Spanish (Estrellas) to numerous schools throughout the state since its inception.

STOP AND THINK

(a) Target Population: Age groups 12-20; school grades 7-12. Appropriate for public and private schools, YMCA camps, scout troops, church groups, youth camps and teen sexuality seminars.

(b) Description: The goal of Stop and Think is to teach decision-making skills while encouraging premarital abstinence. Abstinence is the healthiest choice a teen can make. Stop and Think helps teens realize that premarital abstinence provides opportunities to pursue goals, establish strong friendships and romantic relationships continue education or career training, and freedom from STDs and unplanned pregnancies. Stop and Think focuses on abstinence alone and presents sex in the context of marriage.

(c) Content: Stop and Think can be presented in one to three 45-minute classroom periods with two presenters. The program developer trains the staff presenters and volunteer presenters.

YOUTH SOLUTIONS ABSTINENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM

(a) Target Population: Students ages 12-18 years old, middle and high school teachers, parents and guardians, and Hispanic youth and families. The Youth Solutions program is appropriate for schools or community organizations.

(b) Description: The program includes dealing with peer and media pressure, refusal skill techniques, consequences of early sexual involvement, building friendships, advantages of abstinence, growth and development, love and infatuation, healthy activity, party and dating standards, positive self-respect, family communication, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

(c) Content: Youth Solutions offers four types of service (available in English and Spanish) - (1) peer-led drama, Promises, (2) school intervention using the FACTS curriculum series which includes faculty/staff training, (3) family education, and (4) education and skill development presentations for community and school audiences.
Reduction of teen pregnancies is an urgent goal under the Oregon Benchmarks. Oregon’s teen pregnancy rate has consistently been lower than the national rate and the State has made great progress in reducing it even further over the past decade. Among 15-17 year-olds in Oregon, the pregnancy rate fell by almost 50% between 1990 and 2003. The National Pregnancy rate of females aged 15-17 decreased by 34% between 1990 and 2000.

The target set by the 2005 Oregon Legislative Session is 24 pregnancies for every 1,000 minor females ages 15-17 years by the year 2005, going to 20 pregnancies per 1000 by the year 2010. Oregon is on its way of meeting the goal for 2005 and working towards 2010. We credit the hard work of many groups and individuals for our success in meeting and exceeding this vital benchmark.

The State of Oregon, Department of Human Services, may submit amendments to its TANF State plan that reflect any necessary changes due to state or federal policy changes.

(9) An estimate of the total number of individuals who have participated in subsidized employment under §261.30(b) or (c).

431 unduplicated TANF clients participated in the JOBS Plus Program from 10/1/04 through 9/30/05.

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Housing Stabilization Program

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

(1) Providing shelter needs in the form of rent payment assistance, mortgage payment assistance, utility payment assistance, utility connection charges and deposits;

(2) Pays property tax in order to avoid foreclosure;

(3) Provides for domestic violence shelter and safe house costs;

(4) Covers repairs and maintenance to ensure safe housing;

(5) Provides transportation costs to assist in avoidance of homelessness.

(6) Emergency shelter and attendant services.

(7) Transitional housing services designed to assist persons make the transition from homelessness to permanent housing and economic independence.

(8) Supportive services that enable persons to continue living in their own homes or provide in-home services for areas where no suitable programs exist.

(9) Case management

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

The Housing Stabilization Program is administered by the Housing and Community Services agency. The program is designed to provide assistance to low- and very-low-income homeless or at-risk households with children. Eligibility is determined by the lead agency based on income, legal status, and other criteria. The funds are expended on TANF eligible families with income below 125% of FPL. Homeless Assistance Payments, not to exceed $7,200, can be made to Community Action Agencies for case management services and assistance in long-term housing costs.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$500,000

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$500,000

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
The average number of families served is estimated to be 500.

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:
TANF eligibility (non-financial) is applied to the family. In this program, the family income must be below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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: ___________________________________________________________
TITLE: ___________________________________________________________

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Oregon Student Assistance Commission Opportunity Grants

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Opportunity Grants provide education assistance to low-income families and individuals pursuing their educational goals.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Oregon Opportunity grants helps families lift themselves above the poverty level by assisting with education necessary to become successful in life, therefore reducing their dependency on governmental supports.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$666,853

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$666,853

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
There were approximately 2,088 TANF eligible Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) recipients of which approximately 620 were funded with the above-mentioned state MOE expenditures.

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:
Opportunity grants are provided to individuals and families based on the states median family income. For independent students, incomes represent 50% of average median family income levels as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau for the 3 prior years, except for single, independent students, which are at 30%. For dependent students, incomes represent 55% of average median family income levels as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau for the 3 prior years. The amounts claimed as TANF MOE are based on an estimate of the percentage of families that meet both the TANF cash assistance financial TANF cash assistance and non-financial eligibility rules

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Child Welfare Programs

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Services include in-home services, family treatment and support services, adoption assistance, family resources and support, case management including intake CPS and in-home CPS and on-going family preservation services to support maintaining the child in their own home or the home of a relative, or reunification of the family sooner.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
The purpose of the Child Welfare Program is to:
(1) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes of the homes of relatives;
(2) Preserve and maintain families and family relationships;
(3) Alleviate child mistreatment issues;
(4) Assist families with barriers such as substance abuse or domestic and family violence by providing support systems, training, counseling and mentoring

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$30,111,750

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$30,111,750

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
In FFY 2005, Child Welfare Programs served approximately 9300 clients with MOE funds, which would convert to approximately 7000 families.

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
(1) Eligibility for TANF and TANF MOE funded services is based on non-financial eligibility, with financial eligibility based on 200% of the Oregon median family income for a family of four. These eligibility factors are applied to the family from which the child was removed (must have lived with a relative within the prior six months) or to the family with who the child resides (in-home services). This TANF eligibility applies to those families and services that do not meet IV-E eligibility. Once TANF eligibility is determined, the child remains eligible, as determined by the state, as long as emergency services are required.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Childcare Programs

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
(1) Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) provides childcare subsidies for clients that have accepted employment and need child care in order to remain employed.
(2) Student Daycare provides childcare subsidies for clients that need childcare in order to remain in college pursuing their 2 or 4 year degrees.
(3) JOBS Childcare provides childcare for clients that have accepted subsidized employment, and those clients that are participating in work related activities.
(4) Compliance and Monitoring & Resource Referral for childcare.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Childcare permits job preparation and employment that leads to self-sufficiency, family stability and lessened dependency on governmental supports.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,058,651

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,058,651

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
9,962 is the average monthly total of families participating in Employment Related Daycare, Student Daycare and JOBS Plus Childcare. Of the 16,566 JOBS participants, most require some level of childcare support. In regards to Compliance and Monitoring is not for families, it is for childcare providers and centers. Resource Referral is only for a very small portion of parents and child care providers.

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:
(2) The family must reside in Oregon;
(3) The family must include a needy dependent child;
(4) The family must require child care in order to remain employed, in school or participating in work related activities;
(5) Must meet financial eligibility criteria (income and resources) based on the number of people in the family.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Job Opportunity & Basic Skills (JOBS) Employment and Training Services

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
The JOBS activities and services programs focus on preparing clients to enter the workforce, helping them find employment, and supporting them as they transition off of public assistance.

In addition to work-centered services, JOBS also offers referrals to a wide range of family stability services such as assessment and treatment for drug and alcohol problems, mental health problems and help for victims of domestic violence, which can all be barriers to employment.

Payments are made to meet the family’s basic living expenses and to support participation in assigned activities. Basic living expenses include but are not limited to, shelter costs, utilities, household supplies and personal incidentals. Support Service Payments can include, but are not limited to, such needs as childcare, transportation, tools, fees and counseling.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
The purpose of JOBS Employment and Training is to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and employment.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,353,980

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,353,980

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
16,566

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:
In order to receive a JOBS support service payment, a client has to meet both of the below criteria:

1. The client has to be one of the following people;
a. A TANF applicant or recipient;
b. Participating in the Assessment program;
c. A minor parent who has become ineligible for TANF because they returned to the parent's home (per TANF policy) in the last 40 days;
d. A TANF client participating in substance abuse or mental health diagnosis, counseling or treatment programs;
e. A TA-DVS client who is receiving TA-DVS benefits and cooperating with the conditions of a safety plan;
f. A non-citizen who is ineligible for TANF but who is legally able to work in the United States, and has a child receiving TANF;
g. Disqualified from the TANF program for failure to comply with the Child Support requirements without good cause;
h. Non-custodial parents of children who receive TANF in Oregon. The non-custodial parent must reside in Oregon and have a demonstrated need for such a payment in order to cooperate with their case plan; or
i. A client who has left TANF due to employment who is cooperating with a case plan. Payments to such clients are limited to no more than $1000 in the calendar year after TANF closes.

2. The client has agreed to participate in an activity as outlined in the case plan. If the activities listed on the case plan are not agreeable to the client, or if the client is requesting case plan activities that are outside of what DHS wants or can provide, case managers should work with the client to find a mutually agreeable solution.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Refund Tax Credits

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
The working Family Tax Credit provides a refundable tax credit to cover the out of pocket costs of low-income childcare consumers.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Options that enhance the quality and affordability of childcare in Oregon permit job preparation and employment that lead to self-sufficiency, family stability and lessened dependency on governmental supports.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$3,523,890

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$3,523,890

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
Approximately 1700 families received the Working Family Tax Credit.

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:
The income test is based on 250% of FPL and the amount claimed as MOE represents the refundable portion of the tax credit.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Healthy Start & Great Start

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Healthy Start is a universal and voluntary home visiting program for families experiencing their first birth. Services are provided to families based on levels of need determined by risk factors.

Great Start is a general fund grant that is distributed in a block grant to counties to fund programs for children 0-8 and their families.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Healthy and Great Start Programs are designed to increase the number of children ready for school, increase parenting skills, improve the family’s support system and family functioning, and decrease the likelihood of child maltreatment.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,609,588

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,609,588

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
Approximately 6845 families were served throughout the fiscal year by Healthy and Great Start Programs.

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:
(6) The family must be Oregon Health Plan eligible.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
TANF Cash Assistance

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Oregon provides cash assistance to single parent, no parent and two parent families in accordance with Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
The purpose of TANF Cash Assistance is to:
(1) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;
(2) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;
(3) Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and
(4) Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$35,468,611

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$35,468,611

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
19,599

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:
(7) The family must reside in Oregon;
(8) The family must include a needy dependent child;
(9) The dependent child(ren) must live with a caretaker relative who is related to them through blood, marriage or adoption;
(10) Must meet non-financial eligibility factors including deprivation, enumeration, citizenship/non-citizen status, pursuit of assets, age, and school attendance when applicable; and
(11) Must meet financial eligibility criteria (income and resources) based on the number of people in the family. Families applying for TANF must have countable resources of less than $2,500, unless they are cooperating with a case plan which increases the countable asset limit to less than $10,000.
(12) Each person must have or apply for a social security number.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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

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

Attachment B

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

State: Oregon Federal Fiscal Year: 2005 Date Submitted: 12/31/05

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

1) Name of Benefit or Service Program:
Oregon Pre-kindergarten

2) Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
Education: The educational program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs. Every child is observed and assessed on an on-going basis and receives individualized learning experiences that foster intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Health: Oregon Head Start Pre-kindergarten emphasizes the importance of early identification of health problems. Health services include Medical and Dental, Nutrition and Mental Health.

Parent Involvement: An essential part of every program is the involvement of parents in their child’s education planning, parent education, program planning and other operating activities. Employment and training opportunities are available to program parents. Oregon Head Start Pre-kindergarten also offers support groups and parenting classes to parents of enrolled children.

Disabilities: At least ten percent of program enrollment slots are reserved for children with disabilities. Disabled children and their families receive the full range of Oregon Head Start Pre-kindergarten services.

Family Services: Each program implements an organized method of assisting families in assessing their needs and strengths and then works with parents to access needed services and that can build on the individual strengths of families to meet their own needs.

Transportation: Services are provided for all children and families whenever needed.

3) Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
Oregon Head Start Pre-kindergarten works to promote school readiness and family stability. Oregon Head Start Pre-kindergarten helps families lift themselves above the poverty level by assisting with education and job skills necessary to become successful in life.

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 (Complete only if this program is a separate State program):
Not Applicable

6) Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$2,342,993

7) Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$2,342,993

8) Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
Approximately 750 families were served in FFY 2005.

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:
Families are eligible if they meet 100% of poverty level. Over-income families maybe served up to10% of the programs total enrollment. Those slots are generally reserved for families who have children with disabilities. Since programs do not receive enough funding (federal or state) to serve all of the eligible children in their service are, they apply additional criteria for enrollment. These criteria are generally related to the needs of their community. For example a program may give weighted points for enrollment homelessness, domestic violence, involvement with corrections, etc.

10) Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (Check one)
__X_ Yes
____ No

11) Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995 (Provide only if the response on to question 10 is No.):
Not applicable

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_____________________________________________
TITLE ______________________________________________

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

Return to Index

This is a Historical Document.