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MISSISSIPPI [NON-FINANCIAL CRITERIA: TANF WORK PROGRAM]

11-01-17

Volume III | Chapter 3Volume III | Chapter 3 Revised

Teen Parents Teen parents must stay in school until high school graduation or completion of a GED to prepare themselves for employment and self-sufficiency. "Teen parent" is defined as any PI who is under the age of 20. A teen head of household who maintains satisfactory school attendance for the month or participates in education directly related to employment for at least 25 hours per week meets the work participation requirement. The teen head of household does not fall under regular TANF school attendance requirements. Such a teen parent who has not finished high school or completed a GED is not allowed to claim the JJ caretaker exemption for a child younger than 12 months. The teen may only claim the JJ exemption until the baby is 12 weeks of age, and then becomes a mandatory participant (NE). The case manager will assign the teen parent to an educational component, such as high school, GED program approved by the Department of Education, vocational course, technical school, or adult education program. Teens referred to the work program will be monitored and tracked by case management and will be sanctioned for failure to participate satisfactorily. Supportive services are available to the teen parent. A minor parent, defined as under the age of 18 who is a dependent in a TANF case rather than head of their own case is subject to regular TANF school attendance policy. If the minor dependent parent needs supportive services in order to remain in school, she/he may be referred to the TANF Work Program as a volunteer. Volunteers Certain exempt individuals may choose to volunteer for the TANF Work Program. Only the individuals in the following categories will be accepted as volunteers. • Individuals who are caring for a child younger than 12 months of age that are eligible to claim the JJ exemption. • Individuals who are victims of domestic violence that are eligible to claim the JV exemption. Individuals in an exempt category (JJ or JV) who wish to volunteer will be coded "EV - Exempt Volunteer" for referral to the TWP. Volunteers are not using months in their 12- month TANF exemption time limit. The EV code will cause the 24-month time limit counter to increment if the individual is not assigned to a work activity. Penalties for noncompliance, without good 39254