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A-2220 Division of Social Services DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Eligibility and Payments Manual DISCLOSURE 06 Apr 26 MTL 05/26

The following guidelines are to be used when disclosure of domestic violence occurs:

SITUATION ACTION/RESPONSIBILITY Family currently experiencing physical abuse and/or is fleeing from perpetrator. Case manager or CSEP requests the participant meet with a division social worker for an immediate assessment and potential referral/case management of a domestic violence situation. Case manager or CSEP will follow procedures for barriers to eligibility, work requirements and CSEP. Advise victim of the Confidential Address Program (CAP) administered through the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) Claiming barriers to E&T activities Case manager or CSEP will provide participant information on local domestic violence groups and community resources. Case manager or CSEP makes referral to social worker. Social worker conducts an assessment and determines circumstances surrounding the domestic violence situation. If it is determined domestic violence is a barrier to employment, the social worker will work in partnership with the case manager to determine requirements of the participant’s Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) (refer to E&P manual section A-2100). Claiming “Good Cause” not to cooperate with CSE. Case manager follows “good cause” procedures under E&P manual section A-1600. No immediate danger or barriers Case manager or CSEP informs participant of their local domestic violence community program.

Prior domestic violence occurrence may affect an individual’s current ability to cooperate with program requirements. Flexibility and sensitivity are required when working with domestic violence victims regarding program requirements. When the case manager is unsure how to proceed with a past domestic violence case, the case manager is to consult with a Division social worker. In current domestic violence situations, the case manager may explore alternative procedures to obtain eligibility verifications and reasonably extend time limits, documenting the rationale used to make a decision if time is extended.

Mandatory employment and training requirements may be altered to take into consideration the current domestic violence situation and how the situation is affecting the family, living conditions and opportunities to move the family to self-sufficiency. The participant’s assessment must reflect the domestic violence situation. The PRP must specify the mandatory work requirements (work being defined to include non-countable activities).

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VERIFICATION (toc)

When victims of domestic violence require special handling (extended time frames for providing eligibility verification or a waiver for working with child support or employment), verification of their domestic violence situation is required.

Verification includes:

1. A copy of court, medical or law enforcement records reflecting the domestic violence situation; or 2. Signed statements from child protective, social services, advocacy groups working with the family; or 3. Signed statements from other individuals with first-hand knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the request for the waiver.