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Non-Discrimination The MDHS does not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, sex, religion, national origin, color, marital status, handicap, or political beliefs. Mississippi will follow the nondiscrimination provisions in Title IV, Section 408, for any program or activity receiving funds under Public Law 104 - 193, provision in State Law and Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. b. Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance to engage in work (defined by the State) once the State determines the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once he or she has received 24 months of assistance, whichever is earlier, consistent with the child care exception at 407(e)(2) (section 402(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act) The goal of the program is to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage. The work program emphasizes unsubsidized jobs with supportive services following employment and/or transitional services following termination of the TANF grant because of increased earnings or loss of earned income disregards. The family also receives supportive services while engaged in other allowable activities. Mississippi will require work eligible individuals (adults or minor heads of household or a non- recipient parents) receiving assistance under the Program to engage in allowable work activities once the State determines parents or caretakers are work eligible. Work eligible individuals may not receive assistance under the program for more than 24 months (whether or not consecutive), unless they are engaged in allowable work program activities. Upon referral to the work program, the client will be assessed within 30 days to identify and prioritize the individual’s strengths and needs and translate these into realistic goals which will lead to employment and self-sufficiency. A uniform assessment should be utilized among all participants as a guide to conduct in-depth, interactive interview assessments to evaluate job skills, levels of work readiness and intermediate goals needed in order for individuals to reach their long- term career goals. An Employability Development Plan (EDP) is the client’s plan of action for achieving these goals. The EDP describes the responsibilities of the client as well as entities performing case management. The plan also describes the supportive services available to the client, lists the assigned work activity, and reinforces the consequences for failure to participate. MDHS may contract, using Federal TANF funds, with public, private or private non-profit entities to provide TANF Work Program services as needed statewide. Services may include but may not be limited to Case Management which is the process designed to coordinate work activities and supportive services for TANF Work Program participants. This involves monitoring the participants attendance and progress and amending the Employability Development Plan, component assignment, and supportive services, as necessary, to keep the participant on a path to achieving self-sufficiency. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations and language assistance may be provided to recipients to endure meaningful access and effective communication. All contractual services used will be competitively procured for non-state agencies. The subgrant will contain performance measures which will assure TANF Work Program goals are achieved. The strategy for accomplishing the goals and objectives outlined for