TANF-ACF-IM-1999-05 (Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Federal Welfare Reform Programs)
TO:
STATE AGENCIES ADMINISTERING APPROVED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PLANS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES
SUBJECT:
Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Federal Welfare Reform Programs
REFERENCES:
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Federal Civil Rights Laws, Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform -- An Overview, Technical Assistance for Caseworkers on Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform
PURPOSE:
On August 27, 1999, the attached guidance on the application of civil rights laws to welfare reform programs was made public and sent to State TANF Directors and other parties. To assure the widest distribution (though for some of you it may be duplicative), we are disseminating the information sent to the State TANF Directors via this Information Memorandum.
BACKGROUND:
Under PRWORA, States and many other providers of welfare services have legal obligations to comply with Federal Civil Rights Laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability.
CONTENT:
The requirements of the Federal Civil Rights Laws are explained in the attachment, "Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform -- An Overview," and apply to entities that provide funds, employment, training, food stamps and other benefits under PRWORA. This document contains a list of Federal agencies available to answer questions on the application of civil rights laws to welfare programs, as State agencies implement PRWORA.
Also attached is a document entitled "Technical Assistance for Caseworkers on Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform." This document is designed to provide caseworkers with life examples of how civil rights laws apply to situations commonly encountered in casework.
This information was developed jointly by the United States Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Justice, Education, Agriculture and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
INQUIRIES:
Inquiries should be directed to Hub Directors/Regional Administrators.
/s/
Alvin C. Collins
Director
Office of Family Assistance
Attachments
Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform - An Overview
Technical Assistance for Caseworkers on
Civil Rights Laws and Welfare Reform