Page 18

The Division needs flexibility in assigning program participants to work activities to ensure activities are appropriate to the work season, labor market, and available opportunities, especially in remote areas of Alaska. 7.1 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE The Division has implemented special provisions for victims of family violence in coordination with the State Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Further guidance regarding the application of this exemption is in the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program manual. The Division will: • Screen individuals applying for and receiving ATAP for past or current domestic violence victimization; • Refer domestic violence victims to specialized, community-based services including counseling and shelters; • Prepare individual service strategies consistent with safety needs; • Waive program requirements including work participation and child support cooperation; • Waive program ineligibility due to exceeding benefit time limits when compliance with these requirements would risk the physical, mental or emotional well-being of the family; and • Reassess the program waiver, at a minimum, every six months. 7.2 LACK OF CHILDCARE A parent or caretaker relative of a child under age six is exempt from the requirement to participate in work activities if he or she demonstrates an inability to find needed childcare because: • Appropriate childcare within a reasonable distance from the home or activity site is unavailable, • Affordable childcare is unavailable, or • Suitable informal childcare is unavailable. Childcare is available when a childcare provider is in the community where the parent lives or participates in their work activities and the provider’s hours of operation meet the parent’s needs. Childcare is appropriate when the childcare provider: • Has the ability to provide safe and competent care for children of the same age and development level as the participant’s children, • Is willing to care for the child(ren), and • Is located within 30 minutes travel time by public or private transportation from the parent’s home or activity site. Alaska TANF State Plan P lan Effective December 31, 2025 14 | P a g e