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• The nature and dynamics of sexual harassment and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. • State standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for, individuals who are victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. • Methods of ascertaining and ensuring the confidentiality of personal information and documentation related to applicants for assistance and their children who have provided notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Georgia is committed to establishing and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure that applicants and recipients for TANF are informed of assistance provided for victims of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Family violence is assessed at application and renewal of TANF benefits, and during employment service assessments monthly. Free confidential services are available from domestic violence shelters and programs. Families can call this toll-free number (1-800-33-HAVEN or 1-800-334-2836) as needed anywhere in the state to find a safe place to stay for themselves and their children.

L. Hardship Waivers

Georgia has established a 48-month limit on the receipt of TANF for an adult, minor head of household, or spouse of the head of household who receives TANF cash assistance. The lifetime limit may be temporarily waived for an assistance unit (AU) due to hardship or if the AU includes someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence.

Georgia grants hardship waivers solely on a case-by-case basis, using criteria established by the state. The granting of a waiver can result in an extension of TANF eligibility for up to three months at a time. Extensions of TANF eligibility count toward the 60-month federal lifetime limit. Waivers granted to the federal limit cannot exceed 20 percent of Georgia’s TANF caseload except for reasons of domestic violence.

Specific criteria are used to determine if a hardship waiver may be granted to a TANF assistance unit (AU). A hardship exists when one or more of the following criteria are a barrier to the attainment of self-sufficiency:

• The AU meets the domestic violence criteria when a member of the AU is or has been a victim of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the threat of the type of violence is a barrier to the attainment of self-sufficiency. • The AU has an active child protective services (CPS) case and the circumstances necessitating the CPS case create a barrier to the attainment of self-sufficiency. • The disability of the grantee relative, other eligible adult, or a household member