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A sanction may not be initiated if a participant requests a voluntary withdrawal (VW) from TANF prior to the individual’s “Notice of Non-Compliance” form is generated. The VW takes precedence and may be verbal or written. All staff should assist the individual in the VW process and ensure that the request is recorded in the SOR. 2545.15.05 IMPACT SANCTIONS (C)

The policy stated in this sub-section affects only the IMPACT mandatory Two-Parent TANF and Regular TANF Assistance Groups (AGs).

IMPACT participants will have their AG closed if they fail or refuse, without good cause, to: • Attend a scheduled Orientation Workshop • Complete a Self-Sufficiency Plan Assessment Interview and cooperate in developing a Self- Sufficiency Plan (SSP) • Comply with the participation requirements set forth in the Comply with IMPACT requirements. • Failure to cooperate with IMPACT requirements will result in a Notice of Non-Compliance with IMPACT Requirements, and the initiation of a Full Family Sanction on the same day.

The only exception would be if the participant has requested a Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) before the Notice of Non-Compliance is generated. A sanction may not be initiated if a participant requests a voluntary withdrawal (VW) from TANF prior to the individual’s “non-compliance.” The VW takes precedence and may be verbal or written. All staff should assist the individual in the VW process and ensure that the request is recorded in the SOR.

Minimum sanction periods will apply to non-compliant TANF IMPACT participants who do not have good cause: • First occurrence: o Loss of TANF Cash Assistance (CA) and eligibility for supportive services for the entire AG for a minimum of one (1) month, or until the sanctioned individual demonstrates compliance. • Second occurrence: o Loss of TANF Cash Assistance and eligibility for supportive services for the entire AG for a minimum of three (3) months, or until the sanctioned individual demonstrates compliance, whichever is later. • Third occurrence: o Lifetime disqualification from the TANF Program for the entire Assistance Group, and any subsequent AG in which the sanctioned individual(s) is either the case head or a member.

Two-Parent TANF AG’s: While each parent is allowed the first two (2) sanction occurrences, the first parent to incur the third sanction will initiate a lifetime disqualification from the TANF Program for the entire Assistance Group, regardless of whether the other parent has ever been sanctioned.

The Notice of Non-Compliance with IMPACT Requirements also provides the individual with the opportunity to show good cause for the non-compliance.