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supervision of the child, the worker will discuss with the applicant: 1. The circumstances under which the child became his responsibility, 2. The whereabouts of the parent or parents, 3. The relative's plans for the child's care and education, 4. And the other factors which ordinarily govern parents or parental figures in the exercise of duty toward their child or children in their care. If the parent or other adult relative states that the child is physically present in the home with him, the eligibility worker will establish this fact through the discussion with the applicant during the initial interview. The worker is not required to see the child or children, though this will be done in instances in which a question arises as to whether or not the child is in this home or under the relative's parental supervision. A discussion of living arrangements, school attendance, and problems arising in the management of the home and child will all assist in establishing the child's presence in this home. The child(ren) can be temporarily out of the home for medical care and still meet the requirement of "living with". However, medical care excludes treatment of children committed to a mental hospital. Also, children committed to the state training schools are no longer under parental control and supervision and are not eligible for TANF. DEFINITION OF HOME A child must be established as living in the home with his parent(s) or with a specified relative. “Home” is defined as the family setting maintained or in the process of being established by a parent or other relative who assumes responsibility for the child. Usually, the child shares the same household with the relative. However, the requirement for “living with” a caretaker relative and the definition of a home are not confined to the occupation of the physical household by the child and relative, provided there is a valid reason for the child or relative to be separated and the situation is temporary. TEMPORARY SEPARATIONS Definition A temporary separation of the parent or other relative and the child does not affect eligibility, provided the absent member does not establish a permanent home elsewhere and the reasons for the separation show the temporary nature of the arrangement. The worker must establish that the parent or other relative retains control and guidance of the child. When the child and relative are physically separated, establish the purpose of the separation, the duration, and the plan for the home to be maintained for the child.

MISSISSIPPI NON - FINANCIAL CRITERIA: LIVING WITH CARETAKER RELATIVE

Revised 08 - 01 - 06