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Delaware’s TANF State Plan 10-1-2017 to 9-30-2020

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homelessness or other emergency events resolve these situations. All adult TANF recipients suspected of having problems related to substance abuse and/or mental health are referred to the Bridge program. Additionally, Bridge staff screen all adults for problems related to substance abuse disorders, behavioral health, and domestic violence as a routine process for adults entering the employment and training programs. A contracted vendor provides the services offered by the Bridge program. The Bridge vendor is contracted through the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health who has collaborated with DSS to provide the Bridge services. The program was modified in 2008 to make the program more accessible to TANF recipients by locating the Bridge services at the Employment Connections sites. The goal of co-locating the Bridge and Employment Connections (EC) vendors is to ensure that case managers from the Bridge program and the EC vendors engage in on-going joint case planning and case collaboration. This integration of services ensures a long-term focus on self-sufficiency while being responsive to the need for immediate referral and access to treatment services.

Services are provided by voucher or directly. In addition, TANF will, on a case- by-case basis, pay fees to purchase certificates, licenses, or testing needed to obtain employment. DSS will determine when such services are necessary for a TANF recipient to participate.

Services for Working Families in Financial Crisis

Because of the ongoing, pressures on the cost of housing, fuel, and food, many families face temporary crises that place them at risk of displacement from their homes and/or at risk of dissolution of their family units. These working families receive a wide range of one-time and on-going supports in an effort to maintain the family unit and avoid episodes of TANF assistance. Working families at or below 600% FPL are eligible for supportive services and financial assistance determined to reduce the likelihood of dissolution of the family unit or the need for TANF assistance.

Emergency Assistance Program

The purpose of Emergency Assistance is to avoid the destitution of a child or of a needy distressed resident of the State by providing payments which eliminate or alleviate an emergency condition. An emergency is caused by an unforeseen circumstance or combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action. The program is run through the Delaware State Service Centers, to provide non-assistance non-recurrent short term benefits and/or Emergency Assistance. These services provide emergency necessities to promote family intact stability, strengthen Delaware's families, increase employment options, and positively impact the general public health. Emergency services provide assistance with appliances, furniture, clothing,