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TANF STATE PLAN STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Page 26 Effective Date: January 1, 2020 F. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Michigan has not adopted the Family Violence Option. However, Michigan has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to do all of the following:

1. Screen and identify individuals who are receiving FIP assistance who have a history of domestic violence, while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals. Clients may request restrictions on the release of information to the general public because of the history or threat of domestic violence. Clients who are heads of households may grant or revoke assistance account access privileges. Clients who are not heads of households and who do not want the head of household to have access to their information on the account may open new, separate assistance accounts.

2. Refer those individuals identified under subparagraph 1 to counseling and supportive services.

3. In accordance with a determination of good cause, waive certain requirements of FIP in cases where compliance with those requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance to escape domestic violence or would unfairly penalize individuals who are or have been victimized by domestic violence or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.

4. Notify applicants and potential applicants of the different programs available to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Clients may be granted temporary good cause waivers from participation in employment-related activities because of domestic abuse. Good cause domestic violence waivers are granted based on need, as determined by an individualized assessment. Workers assist clients to develop individualized service plans intended to overcome domestic violence as a barrier to self-sufficiency and designed to lead to work. The client may participate in domestic violence services in order to remove or alleviate domestic violence as a barrier to employment. The maximum deferral period is three months, with three month extensions permitted where appropriate after review.

Clients may claim good cause for not cooperating in establishing paternity, pursuing support, or identifying third party resources (other insurance). Good cause exists if cooperation would result in physical or emotional harm to the client or the child. If good cause exists, a determination is made to either waive the requirement entirely or to proceed with action on the client’s behalf without the client’s direct participation.