Page 27

Iowa’s TANF State Plan

27

This activity provides participants with opportunities to establish or re-establish contact with the workforce in a non-threatening environment while providing services that are of direct benefit to the community. Work sites are public or private nonprofit organizations and specific skills-training tasks are not required.

 Parenting skills training.

Parents aged 19 and younger are required to include parenting skills in their FIA. Parents aged 20 and older can participate in this activity provided they also participate in at least one other activity. Training may include but not be limited to the following: child growth and development; child health and nutrition; child safety; positive discipline; relationships; and life skills.

 Mentoring program services.

PROMISE JOBS workers guide and support FIP participants so they may become self- reliant through individual growth, job retention, and economic stability. Where available locally at no cost, mentors help these participants increase skills related to: teamwork; conflict resolution; improved communication; interpersonal relationships; money management; and other activities enabling the family to successfully function independently.

 Post-employment services.

These services provide assistance to employed participants by removing barriers to retaining employment and developing skills necessary for job retention and career advancement. Activities could include but are not limited to any activity described previously in this section.

 Family planning counseling services.

These services are optional and are offered to each participant. Information is provided to participants about the financial implications of newly born children on family finances and on the ability to complete the FIA. Information on the basics of family planning is provided, as is a list of local family planning resources. Family planning cannot be the only component of the family’s FIA.

In addition, PROMISE JOBS participants have access to services offered by provider agencies outside of PROMISE JOBS, such as vocational rehabilitation and housing programs, and can include these in their FIAs. Barriers to participation in the FIA cannot be used to excuse or exempt an FIA-responsible person from participation but must be resolved so that participation can result.

The Iowa HHS contracts with Iowa Workforce Development to provide the PROMISE JOBS services listed above. The provider agency determines PROMISE JOBS participants’ needs for supportive services and authorize payment for the services.

(iii) Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with Section 407.