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incurred prior to the provider’s effective/approval date. If child care assistance is needed in order for the parent to comply with TANF work requirements, the parent/caretaker relative must choose a provider from the list of approved providers, and then submit a change of provider form after the preferred provider attains CCPP-approved provider status. Also, inform the parent that child care is an available supportive service and good cause will not be allowed if the parent decides not to choose an approved provider. Child care should not become a barrier that causes noncompliance with the TANF work requirements. If a child care barrier occurs, adverse action will be taken and a work program penalty will be applied. The MDHS case manager must use the PACR screen in JAWS to document the parent/caretaker relative’s decision. Although it is the decision of the parent to determine whether child care services are needed and the type of child care needed, the MDHS case manager or MDES interviewer may determine that child care services are not necessary using the following criteria: 1. The child is in school during the time the parent is working or participating in an approved TWP activity.

2. There is another legally responsible parent or guardian in the home who customarily cares for the child. Exceptions will be allowed, on a case-by-case basis, if the parent can provide documentation to substantiate the reason the “responsible” individual cannot provide appropriate child care. For example: a. The legally responsible adult is unable to provide adequate child care because of a disability (documented by a physician statement or receipt of SSI) or b. The child is at risk due to suspected abuse, abandonment or unsafe environment. Appropriate documentation (court records, police records, protective services referral forms, record of calls to the child abuse hotline, or a handwritten statement from the parent, etc.) must be placed in the parent’s file. Appropriate Child Care for TWP Participants When a single custodial parent caring for a child under age six (6) demonstrates an inability to obtain needed child care, the TANF grant may not be reduced or terminated. The parent’s demonstrated inability must be for one of the following reasons: 1. Appropriate child care within a reasonable distance from the individual’s residence or worksite is unavailable. An approved child care provider is not available within a 20-mile radius of the individual’s residence or worksite. MISSISSIPPI [ TANF WORK PROGRAM PAYMENT PROCESS: SUPPORTIVE SERVICES]

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