Page 18
Montana State Plan for the 18 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM
Full Plan #25 Effective 01/01/2024 Supersedes #2 01/01/2021. Per 45 CFR 264.1 Montana will not extend TANF cash assistance payments paid for by Federal TANF funds beyond the five-year limit for more than 20% of the average monthly number of families receiving assistance during the fiscal year.
P. Supportive Services Funds are available to pay expenses that are, or may be, incurred by a client to comply with his/her Employability/Service Plan (E/SP) activities. Each request is evaluated based on situation and the need for assistance. In all instances, care is taken to prevent client dependency on the availability of these funds. Clients must be eligible for and in receipt of TANF Cash or TANF non-cash services and actively participating (not sanctioned) in Pathways or an eligible Tribal Native Employment Works program. IV. REQUIREMENTS A. Out-of-wedlock pregnancies/teen pregnancies 1. Interagency Coordinating Council Montana continues its statewide efforts to prevent and reduce unintended pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies. The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) for State Prevention Programs is authorized in MCA 2-15.225, which outlines membership and duties of the Council.
Designated members of the Council are:
• Attorney General • Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services • Superintendent of Public Instruction • Presiding officer of the Montana Children's Trust Fund board • Administrator of the Board of Crime Control • Commissioner of Labor and Industry • Director of the Department of Corrections • State Coordinator of Indian Affairs • Director of the Department of Transportation • Commissioner of Higher Education • Two people appointed by the governor who have experience with private or nonprofit prevention programs and services • Designated representative of a state agency who wants to participate and is acceptable to a majority of the other members
One of the five ICC goals is “reducing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases by promoting the concept that sexual activity, pregnancy, and child rearing are serious responsibilities.” 2. Montana Personal Responsibility Education Program (MT PREP)