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Volume III | Chapter 3

budget) must be considered when determining eligibility. The intent of the law is that the minor parent remain under responsible adult supervision to oversee the well-being of the minor parent and child and to provide guidance to the young parent. The parent or caretaker relative will be the individual making application and the check will be paid to the adult guardian. Therefore, the adult caretaker must be within the specified degree of relationship for TANF approval. Good Cause Any request for exemption from minor parent requirements must be referred to the Policy Unit for a decision. The minor parent may be exempt from the requirement that she live with an adult caretaker in the following situations: 1. The minor parent has no living parent or suitable relative, or their whereabouts are unknown. 2. No living parent, specified relative, or legal guardian will allow the minor parent to live in his or her home. 3. The minor parent has lived on her own, apart from adult supervision, for at least one year prior to the birth of her child or prior to making application for TANF. 4. The physical or emotional health or safety of the minor parent or her child would be endangered by residing with the minor parent’s parent or other caretaker. 5. There is other good cause to grant assistance to a minor parent living apart from adult supervision. When good cause is claimed for physical or emotional health or safety reasons, current verification from court, physician, mental health, police, or other medical records is required. A referral to Family and Children’s Services is mandatory when no verification is available. The case record must be fully documented to explain the reason for the good cause request. Submit the good cause request with appropriate documentation to the Policy Unit for a decision. No minor parent case may be approved unless good cause is allowed by State Office.

3103 Volume III | Chapter 3

3102 MISSISSIPPI NON - FINANCIAL CRITERIA: ASSISTANCE UNIT CONCEPT

Revised 08 - 01 - 06 MISSISSIPPI NON - FINANCIAL CRITERIA: ASSISTANCE UNIT CONCEPT

Revised 08 - 01 - 06