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Division of Welfare and Supportive Services A-2040.2

Eligibility and Payments Manual ASSESSMENTS

13 Nov 01 MTL 13/05 Post-Approval Assessments

2040.2 Post-Approval Assessment

Prior to or after approval of TANF cash benefits, the assessment process resumes. The Post-Approval Assessment (form 2576-A2) utilizes a strength-based format to assess the information obtained during an initial Assessment and builds on it to further define issues and barriers. The case manager obtains and documents additional details to identify family issues and further define barriers in order to develop a successful Personal Responsibility Plan such as:

1. Mental and physical condition; 2. Housing/Living arrangement; 3. Transportation needs; 4. Child care needs; 5. Level of education; 6. Reading, writing, math skills; 7. English language skills; 8. Employment skills; 9. Inter-Familial relationships; 10. Social skills; and/or 11. Substance abuse issues. 12. Domestic violence issues 13. Child Protective Services involvement 14. Legal issues

During the Assessment process, referrals to other agencies are made to obtain more in- depth information. The assessment must be completed prior to the initial Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) and in a timely manner to ensure the PRP is developed and signed within established timeframes. Any person receiving cash assistance from the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) must have a Pre-Screening and Post-Approval Assessment and a PRP.

2040.2.1 Post-Approval Assessment Instructions

When correctly done the Post-Approval Assessment should provide a detailed picture of the household circumstances. The assessment has questions to prompt and help guide the interview; however, the questions are not to be considered all-inclusive. The interviewer is expected to ask additional questions based on the client’s initial responses. Issues and barriers must be identified in the Participant Issues screen in OASIS.