Sanction Notices

April 29, 2005

Dear Colleague:

Strong and well-enforced sanction policies have proven very successful at assuring that TANF clients comply with needed participation and to benefit from that experience. Critical to their effectiveness, enforcement procedures must be communicated effectively assuring that clients know what is expected of them and why it is important to them and their families. This pertains to communications before infractions arise and during any sanction process if an infraction occurs.

A 1999 study by our Office of Inspector General (OIG) evaluated sanction notices sent to select clients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The study entitled “Improving Client Sanction Notices” (number OEI-09-98-00292) can be located on the OIG website at http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-09-98-00292.pdf  (PDF).  While the information here is dated, we understand that similar problems still exist and suggest that you review this study and consider its findings to see if there are ways you could improve the quality and effectiveness of your communications with sanctioned clients.

In brief, the study found that providing complete information and a clear format can improve client understanding and help alleviate frustration for both the client and the caseworker. It was recommended that sanction notices include information about: (1) the amount, duration, and cause of the sanction; (2) names and phone numbers of specific contacts in the TANF office or service provider who will have more information about the sanction; (3) how to cure the sanction; (4) client appeal, fair hearing, and, if applicable, conciliation rights; and (5) referral(s) for local legal assistance. The study also includes a number of examples of actual notices which you may find helpful.

Your consideration of this request to evaluate and, if necessary, to improve your notices is most appreciated. Thank you for your hard work on our common mission to help families become strong and self-sufficient.

Sincerely,

/S/

Andrew S. Bush
Director
Office of Family Assistance