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Colorado State Plan Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Effective July 1, 2018

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own homes or in the homes of caretaker relatives, and include case planning, case management, counseling, family support programs, intensive family therapy, day treatment, home-based services, non-medical drug and alcohol treatment, and crisis intervention services. Eligibility for Family Preservation is as follows:

(1) The family income must be under $75,000 yearly; and,

(2) The child must meet out-of-home placement criteria; and,

(3) The child lived with a specified relative within the last six months.

Work Provisions

Assessment and Individualized Employment Plans. All applicants for Colorado Works are assessed no later than 30 days after the application date. The initial assessment focuses on identifying what services and assistance will support the family in achieving economic stability, and are particularly centered on obtaining meaningful employment. All assessments, both initial and ongoing, are individualized and include formal and informal evaluations to determine strengths and challenges to obtaining economic stability, such as recent work history and skills, education level, needs of the assistance unit, and other relevant factors. Counties may utilize specialized assessment tools, such as those for substance abuse or vocational interest, depending upon the circumstances of the family, in order to fully develop a suitable and individualized plan. All plans identify a goal for lasting economic security, and are intended to support not only the process components of work participation and verification, but the attainment of a long-term outcome or goal. Strategies and accommodations to address challenges are included in the individualized plan developed from the assessment, and roles are clearly delineated. A contract between the work eligible individual(s) in the family and the county agency focuses on each party’s responsibilities, and clearly states the terms and conditions of benefit receipt. The specific actions, activities, goals, and supports needed are outlined in the individualized plan. Whether assistance is one-time (diversion) or recurrent (basic cash assistance), a plan is developed and agreed to by both the participant and the county human service department.

Colorado places a strong emphasis on employment as the most likely path to economic stability for families in need of assistance, and as such, works closely with existing agencies at the State and county levels to ensure service integration and innovative practices. This includes partnerships with the State’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Investment Board, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Higher Education and Community Colleges, and local workforce and education partners.

Work Eligible Individuals. Work eligible individuals are identified through logic in the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS), which is the State’s eligibility and work program tracking system for Colorado Works participants, as well as other public assistance. Colorado does not employ separate state programs under TANF and has executed sanctions since