Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2005
Texas

As required by 45 CFR Section 265.9 (b), the State of Texas provides the following information on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program:

Texas currently operates its TANF employment program, Choices, under provisions of federal law not modified by State law or rule. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers Choices through contracts with Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards). Boards plan for and manage Choices services that are delivered by independent contractors through the Texas workforce system.

Choices services assist applicants, recipients, and former recipients of TANF cash assistance to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. To promote self-sufficiency at the earliest possible time and to provide information on the comprehensive employment, education, and training services available through the Texas workforce system, TANF applicants attend Workforce Orientations for Applicants primarily conducted in Texas Workforce Centers. Applicants who obtain employment prior to certification for TANF cash assistance are a priority for services such as child-care assistance that will assist them with achieving self-sufficiency.

Choices offers TANF recipients immediate access to employment opportunities in a local workforce development area through a “Work First” service delivery approach. TANF recipients who cannot obtain immediate employment are subject to a mandatory community service requirement. A mandatory recipient (excluding teens) must be scheduled to participate in community service if not enrolled in one of the following activities within four weeks:

• Unsubsidized employment
• Subsidized employment
• On-the-job training
• Work experience

Choices services and activities vary based upon locally designed services strategies, but generally include:

Federal Activity: Job Readiness/Job Search
Job Readiness and Job Search Activities prepare participants to seek employment. Activities may include occupational exploration, job skill assessment, assistance with applications and resumes, job fairs, job interview and job search skills, employment goal setting, life skills, and guidance and motivation to develop positive work attitudes and behaviors necessary for successful employment. Staff members also assist participants with information on available jobs, job search skills training or counseling, the provision of information on the local labor market, including information on emerging and demand occupations, and referral to job openings. Local job development staff are instructed to work with employers and know their needs so participants may be placed in appropriate job openings.

Federal Activity: Unsubsidized Employment
Unsubsidized Employment links a participant with existing job openings within the community, either full-time or part-time, with wages paid in full by the employer. It also includes unsubsidized internships, with wages paid by the internship employer, and self-employment.

Federal Activity: Subsidized Private Employment
Subsidized Employment provides job training and work experience, based on a participant’s skills and interests, either full-time or part-time, with wages subsidized in whole or in part.

Federal Activity: Subsidized Public Employment
Subsidized employment provides job training and work experience, based on a participant’s skills and interests, either full-time or part-time, with wages subsidized in whole or in part.

Federal Activity: On-the-Job Training
On-the-Job Training provides for subsidized, time-limited training activities in which a participant obtains knowledge and skills that are essential to the workplace while in a job setting.

Federal Activity: Community Service
Community Service provides a participant with employment and training activities through unsalaried work-based positions in either the public or private nonprofit sector to improve the employability of a participant who has been unable to find employment.

Federal Activity: Vocational Educational Training
Vocational Educational Training relates to the types of jobs available in the labor market, is consistent with the employment goals identified in the individual’s family employment plan, is provided with an expectation of employment upon completion, and is subject to time limitations.

Federal Activity: Work Experience
Work Experience provides unsalaried work-based positions in the private for-profit sector to improve the employability of a participant who has been unable to find employment. The positions are time-limited, designed to move participants quickly into regular employment, and have designated hours, tasks, and skills attainment objectives.

Federal Activity: Job Skills Training
Job Skills Training services are designed to increase an individual’s employability. They may include activities that ensure that participants become familiar with workplace expectations and exhibit work behavior and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor market. Various types of activities, which are directly related to employment, may qualify, such as personal development, pre-employment and parenting skills classes. These services must be directly related to the types of jobs available in the local labor market, and consistent with the employment goals identified in a participant’s family employment plan. Included in this category are Adult Basic Education and Literacy, and English proficiency. Also included are entrepreneurial training and self-employment assistance. Local staff ensure they are familiar with employer needs to ensure that Choices job skills training supports these needs and leads participants towards employment.

Federal Activity: Education
Educational Services are available for participants who have not completed secondary school or who have not received a certificate of general equivalence. Education services include secondary school leading to a high school diploma, satisfactory school attendance at a secondary school, or a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence.

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

Transitional Medicaid is available to households for up to 12 months following denial of TANF benefits due to new or increased earnings or expiration of TANF time limits as long as an eligible child resides in the home.

Transitional child care shall be provided, if needed, for children of parents who lose eligibility for temporary cash assistance due to earnings from employment or expiration of TANF time limits, as follows:

• Transitional child care is available for up to 12 months following the denial of temporary cash assistance due to employment; except for a TANF recipient who is eligible for a child caretaker exemption and who voluntarily participates in Choices. For these individuals, transitional child care is available for up to 18 months.
• TANF clients who are not employed when temporary cash assistance expires due to time limits may receive up to four weeks of transitional child care in order to seek employment.
• TANF clients who are engaged in a Choices activity that extends beyond the date that temporary cash assistance expires may receive transitional child care for up to four weeks to complete the activity.
• TANF clients who are engaged in a Choices activity and denied temporary cash assistance due to receipt of child support, may receive transitional child care services until the date on which the individual completes the activity.

Employment, Employment Retention, and Reemployment:
In an effort to assist a Choices individual to retain employment and increase earnings over time, Boards provide Choices services during the four-month Earned Income Deduction period while individuals are employed and may continue receiving their TANF cash assistance benefits.

In addition, Boards may continue to provide services beyond the denial of TANF cash assistance due to employment. Services may include mentoring, employee assistance programs, education/training, child care, transportation, or any other work-related expense.

(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.

Households are subject to a full-family sanction when an adult TANF recipient, minor parent certified as an adult or second parent, or payee/disqualified adult fails to cooperate with work requirements. The full-family sanction is imposed for a minimum of one month or until the household cooperates, whichever is longer.

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

Type of Care Number of Payments
(i) Licensed, regulated in-home child care — 0
(ii) Licensed, regulated family child care — 0
(iii) Licensed, regulated group home child care — 2
(iv) Licensed, regulated center-based child care — 67
(v) Legally operating in-home child care provided by a non- relative — 175
(vi) Legally operating in-home child care provided by a relative — 35
(vii) Legally operating family child care provided by a non-relative — 18
(viii) Legally operating family child care provided by a relative — 0
(ix) Legally operating group child care provided by a non-relative — 0
(x) Legally operating group child care provided by a relative — 0
(xi) Legally operated center-based child care — 0

The State had an average of 297 cases per month that received a child care disregard that resulted in a higher TANF grant.

During the time when disregards would be applied by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in determining eligibility for cash assistance, the family would be eligible for Child Care assistance administered by the Texas Workforce Commission.

(5) If the State has adopted the Family Violence Option and wants federal recognition of its good cause domestic violence waivers, 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 domestic waivers granted.

Domestic Violence Waiver from Child Support Requirements
TANF applicants or recipients do not have to cooperate with child support requirements if good cause exists. Good cause exists if the family fears that cooperating with child support requirements will endanger them or their children.

HHSC established a telephone referral process to assist recipients in obtaining verification of family violence and introduces the recipient to family violence services. If a recipient tells the advisors that such violence exists, the advisor accompanies the client to a secured place within the office and assists in telephoning a family violence facility. These facilities are contracted by HHSC and are staffed with persons who are trained in family violence. A family violence specialist in that facility conducts a telephone assessment and notifies the HHSC advisor of their recommendation to grant or not to grant good cause based on a family violence situation. The advisor then notifies the child support division of the good cause claim by coding the case and referral appropriately, which prevents contact with the alleged abusive non-custodial parent.

In Fiscal Year 2005, there were 20 TANF households that were granted good cause from having to comply with child support requirements due to domestic violence.
Family Violence Waiver from Work Requirements

The Texas Workforce Commission rules for Choices define reasons that individual recipients are granted temporary good cause for not participating in work activities. The good cause reason related to family violence is: “An individual is a victim of family violence.” Good cause for family violence purposes shall be reevaluated every month, is extended if the circumstances giving rise to the good cause exception are not resolved after available resources to remedy the situation have been considered, and may be granted for up to 12 months per occurrence. Boards must ensure that family violence is considered during the initial Choices assessment and throughout participation. The existence of family violence must be one of the factors considered when assessing a client’s employability and ability to transition to self-sufficiency. An individual identified as a victim of family violence is referred to an individual or an agency that specializes in issues involving family violence.

In Fiscal Year 2005, 178 clients (unduplicated) were granted good cause due to domestic violence.

(6) A description of any nonrecurrent short-term benefits provided, including the eligibility
criteria, restrictions on the amounts, duration or frequency of such payments; any policies that limit such payments; procedures and activities to ensure that persons diverted from assistance receive information about, referrals to, or access to other program benefits.

One-Time Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (OTTANF) provides $1000 cash assistance for families in crisis. The intent of the OTTANF payment is to help solve a short-term crisis and divert households from ongoing TANF benefits. These families must

A household has an option of receiving TANF or OTTANF if it meets one of four crisis criteria. Households who choose this option are not eligible to receive TANF, TANF-SP, or OTTANF payments for 12 months.

In addition to meeting all TANF requirements, the household must also meet one of the following four crisis criteria:

• Crisis Criteria 1: The caretaker or second parent must have a loss of employment in the two months before application, application month, or process month.

• Crisis Criteria 2: In a one-parent household,
- the dependent child must have a loss of financial support from the legal parent or stepparent within the last 12 months, through death, divorce, separation, abandonment or termination of child support; and
- the caretaker must have been employed within the 12 months before the application or process month.

Financial support is assistance with basic living expenses like rent, utilities, and food. Loss of financial support from a legal parent or stepparent must be verified.

• Crisis Criteria 3: The caretaker or second parent graduated from a university, college, junior college, or technical training school within the 12 months before the application or process month, and is unemployed or underemployed. The caretaker or second parent must:
- provide proof of degree or certificate of completion from a technical training school, junior college, college, or university. This includes beauty, nursing, or vocational schools in or out of Texas;
- not currently be enrolled in an institution of higher learning; and
- have received TANF (in Texas) anytime in the 12 months before enrolling, or while attending a college, university, or technical training school.

• Crisis Criteria 4: The caretaker and/or second parent is currently employed but still meets TANF requirements and is facing a crisis situation because of one of the following reasons:
- Loss or potential loss of transportation — The applicant is unable to get to his job. The loss of a vehicle can be because of needed repairs, lack of insurance, necessary inspection, repossession, or threat of repossession.
- Loss or potential loss of shelter — The household may lose shelter because of foreclosure, eviction, condemnation, or threat of any of these.
- Medical emergency (60 days or less) — A caretaker/second parent has a medical emergency or is needed to provide temporary care for a household member who is ill or injured. The medical emergency can be for the applicant or a household member within the TANF degree of relationship. This policy does not apply to individuals outside the home except for members who are in the hospital. A normal pregnancy or maternity leave is not a medical emergency.

Families choosing a one-time payment over regular TANF cash assistance are automatically screened for eligibility for Medicaid and are advised that they may also apply for food stamp benefits.

Texas Works Redirects
Before the application process begins, HHSC staff provides information to TANF applicants that cash assistance is temporary and has time limits. The client is directed to a resource center in the local office for job listings and other options (such as child support) instead of TANF benefits. Clients are informed that if they do not choose to apply for TANF benefits they may still be eligible for food stamp and Medicaid benefits.
The Texas Works Redirects ended January 31, 2005.

Workforce Orientation for Applicants
In order to become certified for temporary cash assistance, individuals applying for TANF must attend a Workforce Orientation for Applicants (WOAs). Alternative WOAs may be used when individuals are unable to attend a regularly scheduled WOA. The orientations are usually conducted in Texas Workforce Centers. They offer TANF applicants an introduction to Texas Workforce Center services and encourage TANF applicants to take immediate advantage of employment opportunities and other family services available through the Texas Workforce Centers. The WOA provides information on the time-limited nature of TANF benefits and helps individuals understand that the services offered through the Texas Workforce Center assist them with immediate attachment to the workforce and avoid exhausting TANF time-limited benefits.

Applicants attending an orientation session who are subsequently certified for TANF cash assistance are scheduled to attend an Employment Planning Session.

Non-recurrent, Short-Term Benefits for Employment
TANF individuals are eligible to receive non-recurrent, short-term benefits that will assist in obtaining employment. These services cannot be provided to recipients of cash assistance for longer than four months and may include all available Choices support services.

(7) A description of the procedures the State has established and is maintaining to resolve displacement complaints. The 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.

The Texas Workforce Commission rules state that placements in work-based services must not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or impair existing contracts from services or collective bargaining agreements (40 TAC §811.21). The Commission rules also provide a process for Board Review of Complaints (40 TAC §811.71) and for Commission Appeal (40 TAC §811.72).

(8) A summary of State programs and activities directed at the third and fourth purposes
of TANF

Family Planning
Family planning services are part of comprehensive health care delivery systems established in Texas to assist low-income men, women, and adolescents (age 19 and younger) to improve their health status, reduce unintended pregnancies, and positively affect the outcomes of future pregnancies. Administration of the State family planning program is the responsibility of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Division of Family planning. The services funded through DSHS are provided by approximately 87 agencies and the Department’s own Regional clinics, with clinic sites in 165 of 254 Texas counties. Funding sources include Medicaid (Title XIX) Title XX (of which part is TANF), Title X, and Title V (see DSHS Law). Family Planning services are also provided to Medicaid-eligible individuals by Medicaid-enrolled physicians in private practice, advanced nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, federally qualified health centers, and other family planning agencies.

Employment and Training Services
A Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) goal is to utilize the Texas workforce system to accomplish the purposes of TANF through employment and training services that promote the self-sufficiency of families. The Texas workforce system provides services to families using TANF funds under purposes three and four in support of TANF purpose two.

The TWC Fatherhood Initiative has ended however TWC supports fatherhood initiatives designed to provide opportunities for fathers to contribute to the economic and emotional well being of their children.

TWC supports a non-custodial initiative that provides job placement and training services for ex-offenders through Project Reintegration of Offenders (Project RIO). Project RIO is administered by TWC in collaboration with the Local Workforce Development Boards, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDJC), the Windham School District, and the Texas Youth Commission (TYC). Project RIO provides a link between education, training and employment during incarceration with job placement and training after release. These services for ex-offenders promote a connection to the labor force and increase the capacity of fathers to provide financial support for their children.

TWC also supports a non-custodial initiative that provides employment services to non-custodial parents who are not in compliance with child support. The Non-Custodial Parent Choices Employment project is a collaboration between TWC, the Office of Attorney General (OAG) and the IV-D courts. The primary goal is to increase child support collection and employment among low income non-custodial parents and provide non-custodial parents, not being served by Choices, the same level of service that custodial parents receive.

(9) An estimate of the total number of individuals who have participated in subsidized
employment activities.
A total of 1,962 individuals participated in subsidized employment activities during the fiscal year.

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM (according to the nature of the benefit or service provided) for which the State claims MOE expenditures. Complete and submit this report in accordance with the attached instructions.

Eligible families are those for whom an investigation for alleged child abuse/neglect has been conducted, and for whom it has been determined that the risk of future abuse and possible removal from the home are likely in the short term if Child Protective Services intervention services are not provided.

Services are contracted and may include, but are not limited to: psychological and psychiatric evaluation; diagnostic consultation; therapeutic camping; home studies; chemical dependency recovery management; home based therapy (substance abuse); assessment for substance abuse treatment; developmental testing and evaluation; individual counseling; group counseling; family counseling; mentoring; parent/caretaker training; home based therapy (not substance abuse); support groups; substance abuse education; and other substance abuse intervention services.

The purpose of this program is family preservation. The program fulfills the TANF statutory purpose described at section 401 (a) (1) of the Social Security Act and regulatory purpose described at 45 CFR 260.20 (a).

5. Description of Work Activities (complete only if this program is a separate State program):

This last figure represents

_____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

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

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

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: Donna Krueger, Director
Title: Budget Division
Texas Department Family and Protective Services

Services are provided to youth’s ages 7-17 and their families to resolve problems leading to running away, truancy, or abusive behavior, and to divert youths from the Juvenile Justice and Child Protective services systems.

Services may be provided or purchased, and may include family crisis intervention, youth and family counseling, and short term residential care. Services last no longer than 6 months, and residential services are limited to 60 days.

The priority for this program is to preserve the ability of youth to remain with their family. The program fulfills the TANF statutory purpose described at section 401 (a) (1) of the Social Security Act and regulatory purpose described at 45 CFR 260.20 (a).

5. Description of Work Activities (complete only if this program is a separate State program):

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

2,775

This last figure represents

__X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

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

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

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: Donna Krueger, Director
Title: Budget Division
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

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

Eligibility staff determine eligibility for TANF and TANF SP cash assistance, Food Stamp and Medicaid benefits. The TANF Basic MOE amount is determined the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions’ cost allocation plan, with the factors determined by random moment time studies applied to case weights and relative caseloads. The workers are employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and are supervised by HHSC staff.

Provide clients with TANF or TANF SP cash assistance, Food Stamp, and Medicaid benefits. The staff costs are administrative costs associated with TANF Purpose 1, provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

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

The work requirements are described in the TANF SP Cash Assistance portion of this report.

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:

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

The number of families served is included in the TANF SP cash assistance statistics on number of families served reported elsewhere in this report.

This last figure represents (check one):

____ 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 expenditures for this program are for administrative costs associated with TANF SP cash assistance. The client eligibility criteria for TANF SP cash assistance are described on those pages of this report.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(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: ___________________________________
Tracy Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

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

The TANF-Basic program provides financial assistance to families with needy children who are deprived of parental support because of the absence or disability of one or both parents and the unemployment or underemployment of the remaining parent.

The purpose of the program is to provide temporary financial assistance to needy dependent children and the parents or relatives with whom they are living. The program meets TANF Purpose 1, provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

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

9. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:

___X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_____ The total served over the fiscal year.

This is the average number of families receiving TANF Basic Cash Assistance each month during the federal fiscal year. For some months of the fiscal year, TANF Basic Cash Assistance is funded solely from TANF federal, for other months it is funded solely from TANF MOE funds, and for some months it is funded from both.

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

Eligibility criteria for TANF Basic Cash Assistance are derived from federal and state laws, federal regulations, state policy decisions, and court rulings. The following eligibility criteria must be explored:
• Residence
• Deprivation
• Work Registration
• Citizenship
• Resources
• Social Security Number
• Age
• Income
• Relationship
• Domicile

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(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: ___________________________________
Tracy Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

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

Eligibility staff determine eligibility for TANF and TANF SP cash assistance, Food Stamp and Medicaid benefits. The TANF SP MOE amount is determined under the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions’ cost allocation plan, with the factors determined by random moment time studies applied to case weights and relative caseloads. The workers are employees of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and are supervised by HHSC staff.

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

The work requirements are described in the TANF SP Cash Assistance portion of this report.

12. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:

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

The number of families served is included in the TANF SP cash assistance statistics on number of families served reported elsewhere in this report.

This last figure represents (check one):

______ 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:

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(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: ___________________________________
Tracy Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

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

Temporary cash assistance provided to families with needy children. Benefits are based on 17% of the poverty level adjusted for family size. A one time annual payment of $30 is made each year for each child for clothing and school supplies.

The program addresses TANF Purpose 1, provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

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

Choices Participation Requirements - the participation requirement is a total of 35 hours per week for each two-parent family receiving TANF-SP. Unless otherwise exempt from work participation requirements, the parents on TP 61 must meet this requirement or be penalized for non-participation.

Texas currently operates its TANF and TANF SP employment program, Choices, under provisions of the federal welfare reform law not modified by state law or rule. The Texas Workforce Commission (Commission) administers the Choices program through contracts with Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards). Boards plan for and manage Choices services delivered by independent contractors through Texas’ One-Stop Service Delivery Network (Network).

Choices services assist applicants, recipients, and former recipients of TANF and TANF SP cash assistance to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. To promote self-sufficiency at the earliest possible time and to provide information on the comprehensive employment, education, and training services available through the Network, TANF and TANF SP applicants attend Workforce Orientations for Applicants conducted primarily in Texas Workforce Centers. Applicants who obtain employment prior to certification for TANF or TANF SP cash assistance are a priority for services such as child care assistance that will assist them to achieve self-sufficiency.

Choices offers TANF and TANF SP recipients immediate access to employment opportunities in a local development workforce area through a Work First service delivery approach. TANF and TANF SP recipients who cannot obtain immediate employment are subject to a mandatory community service requirement. A mandatory recipient (excluding teens) must be scheduled to participate in community service if not enrolled in one of the following activities within four weeks:

• Unsubsidized employment
• Subsidized employment
• On-the-job training
• Work Experience

Choices services and activities vary based upon locally designed service strategies, but generally include:

Federal Activity: Job Readiness/ Job Search
• Job Search and Job Readiness Activities prepare participants to seek employment. Activities may include occupational exploration, job skill assessment, assistance with applications and resumes, job fairs, job interview and job search skills, employment goal setting, life skills, and guidance and motivation to develop positive work attitudes and behaviors necessary for successful employment. Staff members also assist participants with information on available jobs, job search skills training or counseling, the provision of information on the local labor market, including information on emerging and demand occupations, and referral to job openings. Local job development staff are instructed to work with employers and know their needs so participants may be placed in appropriate job openings.

Federal Activity: Unsubsidized Employment
• Unsubsidized Employment links a participant with existing job openings within the community, either full or part-time, with wages paid in full by the employer. It also includes unsubsidized internships with wages paid by the internship employer and self-employment.

Federal Activity: Subsidized Private Employment
• Subsidized Employment provides job training and work experience, based on a participant’s skills and interests, either full or part-time, with wages subsidized in whole or in part.

Federal Activity: Subsidized Public Employment
• Subsidized Employment provides job training and work experience, based on a participant’s skills and interests, either full or part-time, with wages subsidized in whole or in part.

Federal Activity: On-the-Job Training
• On-the-Job Training provides for subsidized, time-limited training activities in which a participant obtains knowledge and skills that are essential to the workplace while in a job setting.

Federal Activity: Community Service
• Community Service provides a participant employment and training activities through unsalaried work-based positions in either the public or private nonprofit sector to improve the employability of a participant who has been unable to find employment.

• Vocational Educational Training relates to the types of jobs available in the labor market, is consistent with the employment goals identified in the individual's family employment plan, is provided with an expectation of employment upon completion, and is subject to time limitations.

Federal Activity: Work Experience
• Work Experience provides unsalaried work-based positions in the private for-profit sector to improve the employability of a participant who has been unable to find employment. The positions are time-limited, designed to move participants quickly into regular employment and have designated hours, tasks and skills attainment objectives.

Federal Activity: Job Skills Training
• Job Skills Training services are designed to increase an individual's employability. They may include activities that ensure that participants become familiar with workplace expectations and exhibit work behavior and attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor market. Various types of activities, which are directly related to employment, may qualify, such as personal development and pre-employment classes. These services must be directly related to the types of jobs available in the local labor market, and consistent with the employment goals identified in a participant’s family employment plan. Included in this category is Adult Basic Education, and Literacy and English proficiency. Also included is entrepreneurial training and self-employment assistance. Local staff ensure they are familiar with employer needs to ensure that Choices job skills training supports these needs and leads participants towards employment.

• Educational Services are available for participants who have not completed secondary school or who have not received a certificate of general equivalence. Education services include secondary school leading to a high school diploma, satisfactory school attendance at a secondary school, or a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence.
Employment, Employment Retention, and Reemployment :
In an effort to assist a Choices participant to retain employment and increase earnings over time, Boards provide Choices services during the 4-month Earned Income Deduction period while clients are employed and may continue receiving their TANF or TANF SP cash assistance benefits.

In addition, Boards may continue to provide services beyond the denial of TANF or TANF SP cash assistance. Services may include mentoring, employee assistance programs, education/training, child care, transportation, or any other work-related expense.

14. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:

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:

Effective October 1, 2001, the TANF-UP Program ceased to exist and TP 61 becomes the type program for the new TANF State Program (TANF-SP). TP 61 is the TANF-SP for all families with two certified regardless of the reason for deprivation. TP 61 benefits are totally paid with state dollars and federal time limits do not count when a family receives TP 61 benefits. All other eligible households receive TANF benefits on TP 01, which is partially funded with federal TANF funds. Federal time limits count each month a family gets TP 01 benefits.

Eligibility criteria for the State Program are identical to TANF with the following exceptions:

Household Composition - the TANF-SP family must have two parents who are both receiving benefits. One of the certified parents may be a stepparent. If a parent or second in a two parent household is disqualified for any reason, the family no longer qualifies for TANF-SP and must be transferred to TP 01 if still eligible for cash assistance. Financial penalties do not affect the household's eligibility for TANF-SP.

Deprivation - for TANF-SP (TP 61) deprivation is based on death, absence, incapacity, or unemployment or underemployment.

All other eligibility criteria for TANF-SP, including child support referrals for children deprived due to death or absence, are the same as for TP 01.

Two parent households that qualify for TP 61 may choose to receive One-Time TANF (TP 72).

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(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: ___________________________________
Tracy Henderson
Chief Financial Officer
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

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

Benefits: (1) Basic skills training and education for current and former recipients of TANF cash assistance

Services & Activities: (1) Support services for child care, transportation, and learning disabilities screening and diagnosis, etc. (2) student assessment (3) adult basic education instruction to achieve a literacy level consistent with the recipient’s employability plan including job readiness, job retention, and/or job advancement skills (4) English As a Second Language training to meet the objectives of the recipient’s employability plan including job readiness, job retention, and/or job advancement

The primary purpose of adult education for current and former TANF cash assistance recipients is to assist these individuals in obtaining and retaining employment (TANF Purpose 2)

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

17. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:

_____ 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:

Rider 59 to Article III of the General Appropriation Act for the Texas Education Agency for State Fiscal Years 2004-2005 contains the eligibility criteria for TANF Adult Education Services:
• Recipients of TANF Cash Assistance
• Families with a child living at home if any family member receives services from one of the following programs: Food Stamps, Medicaid, Child Health Insurance Program, Child Care and Development Fund Services, or Free or Reduced Price School Lunch Program

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

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: ___________________________________
Shirley Beaulieu
Chief Financial Officer
Texas Education Agency

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

Rider 8 in Article III of the General Appropriations Act for the Texas Education Agency for State Fiscal Years 2004-2005 states that “It is expressly provided that the pre-school day care programs, such as the Early Childhood Program for Educationally Disadvantaged Children and Special Education and Training for Pre-school Children with Disabilities administered by the Texas Education Agency, are day-care programs. The funds expended in those programs on behalf of children meeting eligibility requirements in accordance with interagency contracts with the Texas Education Agency under the day care program of the Social Security Act shall be considered as expenditures for day care.”

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

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $206,417,864

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

Records are not available at the state level on the number of families served. Local Independent School Districts qualify the eligible children in families at the local level using the documentation requirements of the school lunch program. There is no legal mandate to collect the information at the state level, the cost of data collection would be burdensome, and unallowable as an unfunded mandate. Because the level of state expenditures far exceeds the amount claimed as TANF Maintenance of Effort, it is evident that there are far more families served that include a child living with a custodial parent or other adult caretaker relative, as required in 45 CFR 263.2 (b) (2) than the proportion of MOE counted expenditures to total state expenditures.

This last figure represents (check one):

________ 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:

Eligibility requirements for participation in pre kindergarten programs are that the child is:
• Educationally disadvantaged (this is defined as qualifying for free or reduced school lunch program benefits),
• Unable to speak and comprehend the English language, or
• Homeless.

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

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. ____________
(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: ___Shirley Beaulieu_____________________
TITLE: ___CFO, Texas Education Agency__________

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

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:
• Affordable child care otherwise unavailable to applicants, recipients, and former
recipients of TANF cash assistance to enable the parents to work or participate in
education or training.

• Structured environment and activities that promote early brain development
and healthy social interaction among children whose parents are applicants, recipients, or former recipients of TANF cash assistance.

• Parent education on the types of care available and what to look for in choosing
child care services for their children.

• Parent choice in selecting the type of provider (licensed center, regulated family
home, relative care) and the specific provider who will care for their children.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:
a) To assist applicants, recipients and former recipients of TANF cash assistance maintain or transition toward self-sufficiency through the provision of child care subsidies that enable parents to work or participate in education or training.
b) To prevent future dependency through early physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of children whose parents are current or former recipients of TANF cash assistance. These children are an integral part of the state's future workforce.
c) To allow parents, when placing their child in care, to choose from a variety of child care providers, including licensed centers, regulated family homes, and care by a relative in the child’s own home or the relative’s home.

4. Program Type. (Check one)

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

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$27,745,141

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

__X_ The total (unduplicated families) served over the fiscal year.

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

Applicant Child Care - Provided up to 12 months

Each Board sets the maximum family income limit used to determine eligibility for
child care in the local workforce development area (that limit may be below, but may
not exceed, 85% of SMI). In addition, the parents must:
• have applied for TANF cash assistance,
• need child care to accept or retain employment,
• have received a referral from the Health and Human Services Commission attend a
Workforce Orientation for Applicants,
• have located employment prior to certification for TANF cash assistance, and
• have not voluntarily terminated paid employment of at least 30 hours a week within 30 days prior to receiving the referral from the Health and Human Services Commission to attend the Workforce Orientation for Applicants, unless the voluntarily termination was for good cause connected with the parents' work.

Parents who are employed less than 15 hours a week at the time they apply for
temporary cash assistance are limited to 90 days of Applicant Child Care. Applicant
Child Care may be extended to a total of 12 months, inclusive of the 90 days, if
before the end of the 90-day period, the applicant increases the hours of employment
to a minimum of 30 hours a week.

Choices Child Care - Provided as long as the parents are meeting their Choices (TANF employment program) work requirements.

Children meeting the age requirement are eligible for Choices child care if it is determined that child care is needed in order for their parents to comply with Choices work requirements.

Children meeting the age requirements and parents meeting the income guidelines are
eligible for Transitional child care if their parents have been denied TANF cash
assistance due to:
• an increase in income, or
• expiration of TANF time limits.

Transitional child care is available for up to 12 months to former recipients of TANF
cash assistance who lost that benefit due to increased earnings and were non-exempt
from Choices participation. Former recipients who lost TANF cash assistance due to
increased earnings and were exempt from, but voluntarily participated in, Choices are
eligible for up to 18 months of Transitional child care. Each Board sets the
maximum income limit to remain eligible for Transitional child care in the workforce
area; and that limit may be below, but may not exceed, 85% of SMI.

Former recipients of TANF cash assistance who are not employed when their TANF
time limits expire receive up to 4 weeks of Transitional child care to search for
work.

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

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: ___________________________________