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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2024-2026

Effective Date: 10/1/23 – 9/30/26 ☐ Initial Submission Date: 12/31/2023 ☒ Revision Date: 04/15/2024 Page: 17

 Assist men in preparing for the legal, financial, and emotional responsibilities of fatherhood  Promote the establishment of paternity at childbirth.  Encourage fathers, regardless of marital status, to foster their emotional connection to and financial support of their children  Establish support mechanisms for fathers in their relationship with their children, regardless of their marital and financial status

The CFI’s contracted community-based fatherhood programs provides access to an array of services including but not limited to: Comprehensive Intake & Assessment, Case Management Services, Curriculum-based Group Instruction, Access to Domestic Violence Prevention Services, Voluntary Parentage/other child support matters, State-Owed Arrearage Adjustment Program, Internal & External Referrals, Systems navigation, assistance with completing court documents, financial literacy, employment/education, access/visitation/custody, health/mental health/ substance use services, and conflict resolution/anger management.

TANF Purpose #4: Encourages the formation and maintenance of two parent families.

Funding: Commingled funds that uses state maintenance of effort funds.

C. 3. Safety Net Services - Department of Social Services

Safety Net services are available to families who have exhausted the Jobs First time limit of TFA benefits, have income below the payment standard for the appropriate family size, and are not eligible for any future extensions. Effective April 1,2024, families must have income below 100% of the Federal Poverty level for their family size. This program works to 1) minimize the likelihood of harm to the children, 2) stabilize families and assist with access to resources to strengthen parenting skills and protect children and 3) assist families to attain and maintain employment through the identification and amelioration of existing psychological, personal, and structural barriers.

Services provided include the following:

 Intensive family-focused support and case management services that are based on mutual trust and respect.  In-home, office-based, or virtual assessments, referrals, and follow-up conducted by regional staff who are bilingual and bicultural.  Comprehensive, qualitative assessment of family strengths and risk factors using a unique tool designed for the program

These services are offered to families with a gross income less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the State Median Income (SMI).