Page 28

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 22 American Job Center Intake Intake sessions include an orientation, employability assessment, initial employment plan development, eligibility determination for separately funded employment programs, assignment of a case manager, and assignment to initial employment plan activities by case managers.

All new participants for employment services must attend an intake session. However, special accommodations are made for participants who cannot attend the group sessions due to their employment schedule. These participants are scheduled for separate individual appointments at times that do not interfere with work hours. Participants are not required to miss work, training or a job interview to attend any employment services activity.

Every participant leaves the intake session with a clear understanding of the next step in his/her employment plan, the name and phone number of his/her case manager and a copy of his/her employment plan. Case Management After intake into American Job Center, the assigned case manager in conjunction with the participant completes the employment plan. The case manager arranges for services and tracks and monitors the participant to ensure progression towards independence from cash assistance. If the participant does not comply with the provisions of the employment plan without good cause, the case manager refers the participant to DSS for conciliation and possible sanctioning. Special Benefits and Child Care Assistance To facilitate maximum participation, TFA applicants or recipients who participate in employment services are supported by special benefit payments. Transportation benefits are provided to participants of regular, on-going employment services activities other than unsubsidized employment. Payment is made for bus fares or mileage for driving private automobiles. A participation allowance which is intended to assist participants with transportation and baby-sitting expenses is provided for short-term, intermittent employment services activities that last no longer than five consecutive days. Ongoing child care assistance is provided through the Care 4 Kids Program administered by the Office of Early Childhood. TANF Purpose # 1: Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or the homes of relatives.