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Massachusetts TANF State Plan

Specific instructions for case managers on domestic violence services and how to apply domestic violence waivers can be found in the Online Guide under the Domestic Violence book as well as in all relevant program pages. These pages include information on maintaining confidentiality and safety by explaining what can and can not be part of the case record. The Domestic Violence team manages their case information in a separate data base to ensure sensitive information is kept confidential. The Online Guide also contains specific instructions on how to transmit domestic violence related decisions and forms to maintain safety for survivors.

To ensure everyone is aware of the Domestic Violence Services offered by DTA, the agency maintains a website, a brochure in eight languages and provides the ability to reach a Domestic Violence Specialist through the DTA Assistance Line. For afterhours assistance Massachusetts utilizes SAFELINK the statewide hotline for domestic violence and sexual assult and maintains an interactive map to locate resources.

Other TANF Funded Programs Income Eligible Child care: Administered by Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), Income Eligible Child care provides subsidized child care for the children of low-income parents not receiving child care through TAFDC who are working, disabled, in an education or job training program, or who otherwise meet the activity requirement. Child care is provided for children under 13 and for older children with special needs. Parents who have a disability can also qualify for the subsidy in certain situations. The program pays a portion of the cost of care and requires payments from parents on a sliding fee scale. Regulations regarding financial eligibility can be found at 606 CMR 10.04. Transitional and Post-Transitional Child Care: Also administered by EEC, parents who have received TAFDC within the 12 months prior to their application for a child care subsidy and who obtain a child care referral from DTA have priority access to a child care subsidy, provided they meet EEC eligibility guidelines. Parents who seek eligibility following the parent’s transitional TAFDC authorization will again receive priority access to a child care subsidy for one additional 12-month period provided they meet EEC eligibility guidelines. Regulations regarding financial eligibility can be found at 606 CMR 10.04. DHE Scholarship Reserve: The Scholarship Reserve provides financial assistance to Massachusetts students enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in any approved public or independent college, university, school of nursing, or any other approved institution furnishing a program of higher education. The scholarship program covers the cost of tuition for courses as well as the standard cost of living at the institution. These costs include only costs of attending courses and pursuing higher educational attainment, and excludes costs such as room and board. Scholarships are claimed under TANF purposes 3 and 4 because studies have shown that higher educational attainment correlates with a reduced incidence of out of wedlock pregnancy and that educational attainment increases the likelihood that a person will become a supportive member of a two-parent household. Therefore, scholarships that allow young adults in Massachusetts to