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A recipient caretaker relative will be considered to have "good cause" for refusing or failing to sign the PRA only if determined to be mentally incompetent and incapable of understanding the requirements of the PRA by a licensed physician or a licensed mental health professional. If verification of mental incompetence has been obtained, the caseworker enters the good cause reason in the eligibility system to prevent a fiscal penalty.

Since there is only one condition of good cause, every attempt should be made to assist clients who are willing, but unable (due to circumstances beyond their control) to sign the PRA in a timely manner. 2450.05.00 THE REQUIREMENT TO COMPLY WITH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY (C)

The policy stated in this section affects only the Two- Parent TANF and Regular TANF categories of cash assistance.

ONLY when the school system reports a problem is the DFR to investigate or initiate any attendance policy action.

If a TANF recipient child aged seven through seventeen has more than three (3) unexcused absences as defined by the school district during a semester or grading period, their recipient caretaker relative is required to comply with a written improvement plan, developed by the school or by the DFR in conjunction with the caretaker relative. (f21)

The provision applies to all school-aged children except those who are: • Not part of the TANF assistance group due to their receipt of SSI • Excluded from the assistance group because of TANF ineligibility. • Children in the care of relatives who are not included in the TANF award. • Children whose parents are excluded from the TANF assistance group due to the receipt of SSI. o Note: This would not apply if both child’s parents were in the home and one of the parents did not receive SSI.

The procedure used to verify the number of unexcused absences will depend upon the arrangement established between the DFR and each school system to provide notification of all children whose attendance is unacceptable.

When a child has been identified as having more than three (3) unexcused absences, the circumstances must be evaluated to determine the reasons for the unexcused absences. The caseworker should accomplish this by discussing the attendance problem with any or all the following: • School personnel • The parent • The child