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All agency staff are trained in indicators of child abuse and neglect and are expected to make reports as appropriate.

A family may avoid an MRA/Outcome Plan sanction if good cause for non-compliance exists. Good cause is defined as:

• A significant family crisis or change; • Illness of the caretaker or child, including participation in substance abuse treatment or medical appointment, • Civil leave, including jury duty, or a required court appearance.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORK REQUIREMENTS

The Work First program is based on the premise that all parents have a responsibility to support themselves and their children. Under Work First, the Core Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA) outlines in detail the obligations of parents, relative caretakers, or legal guardians in return for family assistance. All counties require families to sign the Core Mutual Responsibility Agreement.

For this section, there is a distinction between the requirements for families that include a “work eligible individual” and those families that do not. Drug felons, fleeing felons, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) representative/protective payees are not excluded from the definition of work eligible individuals. The following individuals are exempt from the work requirement:

1. Adults receiving Work First Cash Assistance for a child only. (The adult is not included in the case.) 2. A non-participant relative, other than a parent, living with a child receiving assistance. 3. A non-qualified immigrant who is ineligible for Work First Cash Assistance or Work First Benefits due to immigration status. (Immigration status requires third party verification.) 4. A recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI.) 5. Single custodial parents with a child under 12 months of age. 6. Individuals with “child” family status (youth up to age 18 and not an emancipated minor payee or age 18, if in high school and expected to graduate from high school by the month of their 19th birthday). Emancipation occurs when a dependent child marries, becomes a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or is declared emancipated by a court. An emancipated minor parent is treated as an adult applicant to qualify for and receive Work First Cash Assistance for themselves and their child. 7. A parent providing care for a disabled family member living in the home. Medical documentation to support the need for the parent to remain in the home is required from the Health Care Professional responsible for the medical care of the disabled family member.