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Page | 25 Part C- TANF Work Program and Services

16.0 FIRST-TO-WORK (FTW) PROGRAM

In accordance with Title IV-A of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 602], the state administers a statewide mandatory work program, First-To-Work (FTW), for families who apply for or receive TANF or TAONF benefits. The FTW program assists participants with job readiness training, education, employment-related activities, and case management and supportive services. Supportive services are offered to participants such as child care subsidies, transportation reimbursement, assistance with education and work- related expenses, job readiness training, and job development and placement services. Additional supportive services are available through contracted service providers who provide domestic violence advocacy and legal services, subsidized employment, and home visiting services. FTW also provides services to other work-eligible individuals who are unable to work due to a temporary disability, domestic violence crisis, or treatment from substance use disorder.

The FTW program utilizes a “work focused” approach which requires adults to participate in appropriate work activities as a condition of receiving assistance. The FTW program provides a wide array of services and supports that are designed to assist recipients to enter and remain in the workforce. FTW participants are required to meet specific weekly participation requirements based on the number of adults and the age of the children in the household.

17.0 SCREENINGS, ASSESSMENTS AND SUPPORT SERVICES PLAN

17.1 FTW Program Intake Assessments Individuals who are determined to be work eligible individuals (WEI) or other work eligible individuals (OWEI) are referred immediately to the FTW program and are scheduled to attend an orientation and intake session. During intake, a preliminary self- assessment is conducted to identify needs, strengths, and determine if the participant has any psycho-social, health, educational/skill, employment, and communication concerns that may be barriers to employment. Following the orientation and intake session, the participant completes an in-depth interview and the Hawaii Assessment and Personal Appraisal (HAPA) to further assess the participant’s employability. The interview includes questions about social capital, personal issues including relationships, current or past involvement with child protective services, physical, mental, and emotional health, criminal history, and substance abuse. The participant may be scheduled to take reading and math tests. The results of the testing and interview are scored and summarized to determine if the participant moves on to the Employability Assessment or if an in-depth Barrier Assessment is needed. The Employability and Barrier Assessments will result in the development of an Employment Plan, and/or a