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North Carolina

17 CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE GOVERNOR

As Governor of the State of North Carolina, I hereby certify that during each fiscal year to which this state plan is applicable:

 This program will be known as the Work First program.  The provisions described in this State plan will be carried out in accordance with Federal and State law.  The State will operate a Child Support Program in accordance with the State plan approved under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.  The State will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program in accordance with the State plan approved under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act.  The state will take any actions that are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act are eligible for medical assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is the agency responsible for supervising the program and administering program funds.  Local governments and private organizations have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the State, and they have been given 45 days to submit comments on the plan and design of those services.  The State will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a tribal family assistance plan, with equitable access to assistance under the State program funded under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act.  The State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the State program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.  The State has established, and are enforcing, standards and procedures to screen and identify individuals receiving assistance that have a history of domestic violence. While maintaining the confidentiality, such individuals are referred to counseling and supportive services, and, pursuant to a determination of good cause, program requirements (such as time limits for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and family cap provisions), are waived in cases where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for them to escape domestic violence or would unfairly penalize them.

_____________________________ Pat McCrory, Governor State of North Carolina

_____________________________ Date