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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2021-2023

EFFECTIVE DATE 10/1/20 – 9/30/23  Initial Submission 12/29/20  Revision Page 20 Operating Principles 1. The primary focus of the Jobs First Employment Services Program is to assist participants to become independent of assistance through employment. 2. Every participant is assigned to activities that will enable him/her to become and remain independent of TFA. Whenever possible, activities are combined in a way that will meet the federally established participation rates. 3. Each service delivery area manages its caseload in such a way as to meet the state target levels for the participation rates. 4. An individualized employment plan based on assessment of skills, abilities, work experience, education level, aptitudes, interests and program goals is developed for every participant. The individual employment plans for parents in a two- parent family are coordinated with each other in order to meet program goals. The combination of both parents’ plans constitutes a plan for the family. 5. If, based on the assessment, it is determined that the family is capable within the first 21 months or anytime during an extension period of obtaining employment at earnings equal to the Federal Poverty Level for their family size, the participant (s) are required to find and/or maintain employment at the Federal Poverty Level as soon as possible. 6. If it is determined that the family cannot obtain earnings at the Federal Poverty Level (in the case of a two-parent family, both parents wages or potential wages are combined) without further training and/or education, the participant (s) are assigned work, education and/or training activities that will maximize the family's income level within the first 21 months of assistance. For participants in extensions, work, education and/or training activities that will maximize the family income level as soon as possible are assigned. Whenever possible, employment is combined with education and training in such a way that the combination is countable toward the federally established participation rate. 7. As long as consistent with the program goals, employment plan activities are based on the participant’s interests, ability, availability of resources and labor market demands. 8. If it is evident that the family will not be able to become or remain independent of TFA through current employment or future employment that is secured (such as seasonal employment) without additional education and/or training, new or additional activities designed to increase the family income may be assigned, which may preclude continuation of existing employment or self-employment. 9. These operating principles apply to all participants according to their needs, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation.