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Delaware TANF State Plan 10-1-23 to 09-30-26 Page 28 of 59

• A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is given permission to inspect and/or copy any records relating to the child and his or her family guardian without their consent. The CASA has the authority to interview all parties having significant information relating to the child. • If information is released under the procedures applying to CASA, pertinent details of the reasons for the release must be documented and written notification of this release must be sent to the last known address of the individual to whom the record refers.

4. DSS has the authority to disclose information concerning applicants and recipients provided it pertains to: • An investigation, prosecution, or criminal or civil proceeding conducted in connection with public assistance programs; • The administration of any other federal or federally assisted program that provides assistance, in cash or in kind, or services, directly to individuals on the basis of need. The agency must assure DSS that such information will remain confidential and will be used only to pursue services for the individual. Other means tested programs include the Supplemental Security Income Program, School Lunch and Breakfast Program, the Energy Assistance Program, and the Low-Income Housing Program; • Other agencies (such as Children and Families First, Inc., Catholic Charities, Legal Aid, etc.) must provide written permission from the recipient before public assistance information may be released; and • Other governmental agencies may obtain lists of recipients from DSS if the information will be used to perform services for DSS, and the agency can assure DSS that the lists will remain confidential.

v. Establish goals and take action to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, and establish numerical goals for reducing the illegitimacy ratio of the State (as defined in section 403(a)(2)(C)(iii)).

Delaware is targeting youth by providing special services. Through the Department of Education, Delaware provides a family literacy program which includes parenting skills, training, and other services to teen parents and their children to prevent repeat pregnancies. In addition, wellness centers located in 33 high schools provide medical, health, and counseling services to high school students.