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Iowa’s TANF State Plan

16  Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) Program for FIP Families:

This TANF and state MOE funded program provides intensive in-home family development services to families with gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level based on family size and that are identified as having multiple or severe barriers to self-sufficiency and family stability. This can include families that are currently receiving Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits, families who have never applied for or received FIP; former FIP families and families ineligible for FIP for various reasons including being over income or having exceeded the 60-month time limit for receiving FIP benefits. The FaDSS program prioritizes enrolling FIP families and will connect eligible families to FIP benefits if the family desires.

Eligibility criteria:

1. The Family has a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level based on family size at the time of enrollment into the program as determined by a review of the family income or through categorical verification of income. Eligibility for the FaDSS program is redetermined on a bi-annual basis every sixth month of enrollment. If the family’s income is greater than 225% of the federal poverty level based on family size, the family must begin a three-month transition period starting the month following the eligibility redetermination. 2. The family has a dependent child in the household 3. The family resides in Iowa 4. The head of household and dependent child has a social security number or proof of application 5. The head of household and dependent child is a United States (U.S.) citizen or legal immigrant 6. The family meets one or more of the at-risk criteria established in Iowa Administrative Code 427-15.4(216A) In the event of a federal or state declared disaster or other emergency, this transition period may continue beyond three months for enrolled families residing in the declared area. In such instances, the transition period may continue for up to sixty days after the disaster or emergency declaration has been lifted. The extended time for aftercare planning is critical to help families facing the additional challenges and stress caused by health, economic, or other emergency or disaster. Extension of the transition period is effective with respect to any disaster or emergency declared on or after March 1, 2020.

The program is available statewide, and services are provided by contracted agencies that employ certified Family Development Specialists. FaDSS engages families in dynamic partnerships to address their basic needs, improve child well-being, and develop career opportunities that, in turn, improve lives, families and communities. The program does this by:  Reducing sources of stress that destabilize families. Family Development Specialists address the basic needs and emotional wellbeing of families through support and connection to resources such as housing, food, safety, and physical and mental conditions, among others.  Strengthening core skills that are essential for work, school, and life. Family Development Specialists build the capabilities of families by teaching them goal- directed behaviors that strengthen life skills and improve family functioning and by