Page 17

July 1, 2026 | 17

or if the residency requirement is not in the best interest of the teen parent or child, an alternative adult-supervised supportive living arrangement must be provided. In this situation staff must assist the teen in finding an appropriate adult-supervised supportive living arrangement. DCF cannot delay TCA while deciding where the teen parent should live and must allow sufficient time for the move. 3. Attend parenting and family classes, as available, that provide a curriculum specified by DCF or Department of Health (DOH).

2.8 DIVERSION PROGRAMS

Florida established a number of diversion programs to assist families who may not need ongoing TCA or meet the income eligibility limitations. The LWDB or other local contracted agencies administer these programs in cooperation with the SWDB, FloridaCommerce, and DCF. These short-term programs are: 1. Diversion (section 445.017, F.S.): Provides one-time, short-term assistance for TCA applicants who do not need ongoing assistance but has an unexpected circumstance or emergency that requires immediate assistance to secure or retain employment or child support. Applicants for diversion assistance must meet eligibility requirements, but a modified eligibility process reduces wait time to receive assistance. LWDB staff or service providers screen each family on a case- by-case basis to identify any barriers to obtaining or retaining employment. The non- assistance services or diversion payment may alleviate these barriers, so the family does not require ongoing TCA. WT program staff make referrals as necessary to other programs including food assistance, Medicaid, or Mental Health and Substance Abuse and services available through local community-based organizations.

Up-Front Diversion is a four-step process that includes: (1) Linking the applicant to a job opportunity as a first option; (2) Offering services such as child care and transportation assistance; (3) Screening for emergency needs of the family and responding to those needs; and (4) Offering a one-time payment of up to $1,000 per family. (The design of the first three steps is to eliminate a need for the fourth.) The family must demonstrate a need and secure a means to meet on-going expenses when it receives the diversion payment.

A family must agree not to apply for assistance for three months after receiving diversion assistance unless it can demonstrate an emergency to the LWDB.

013 Guidance-Up-Front Diversion

2. Diversion Program for Victims of Domestic Violence (section 414.157, F.S.): This program provides services and one-time payments (not to exceed $1,000) to assist victims of domestic violence and their children in making the transition to independence. Eligible participants are a parent or caretaker with one or more