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• Cash assistance that is normally provided by electronic payment processing information card; • Support services intended to maintain two-parent families (state funded); and • Support services intended to prevent teen and out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

In the administration of the TANF program in Georgia:

• Work is given the highest priority in the provision of services and benefits. • The needs of children receive high priority in choosing program options. • Benefits are directly linked to the exercise of responsible behavior on the part of parents receiving benefits on behalf of their children. • Parental responsibility and employment initiatives are incorporated into the program’s design. • Efforts to reduce teen pregnancy are pursued in cooperation with non-profit agencies and other governmental organizations. • Efforts include encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

The focus on employment reflects Georgia’s commitment to meet all work requirements contained in the federal legislation. The focus on children reflects Georgia’s commitment to an aggressive effort to end the cycle of welfare dependency that was characterized as an “entitlement-based” program in the past. Georgia’s focus on what is beneficial to children extends beyond merely providing cash assistance. Children benefit from the availability of child welfare, public health, and community-based programs and, consequently, prevention programs benefit a broad range of at-risk youth. Children in TANF families have access to Georgia’s Pre-Kindergarten and HOPE Scholarship programs.

Georgia requires responsible parental behavior as a condition of eligibility for public assistance. The State has retained its immunization requirement, work acceptance and maintenance requirement, a teen living arrangement provision, and participation in work activities. These efforts are coupled with diligent child support enforcement. In submitting this plan, Georgia restates its commitment to continue and expand these efforts.