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TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF An alert must be set for 45 days prior to the absence end date to establish continued eligibility. Note: A newborn that has not entered the home due to continued hospitalization from birth, having not been medically released from the hospital, is not considered absent from the home and is an eligible member of the household. 326.2 Absence Due to Child Being in the Custody of a State or Local Child Protective Service Agency A TANF/NEON child for whom ongoing cash assistance has been issued may be absent from the home for up to 180 days if the child is in the custody of a state or local child protective service agency and there is a viable established plan for reunification. The 180 days is divided into two 90-day periods, the first 90-days allows all three entities (Court, DWSS, and Child Protective Services) time to determine custody and establish a reunification plan. TANF cash should continue to the 90th day. The case manager must take action on or before the 75th day of the 1st 90-day time period to verify the reunification plan will be established before the 90th day. The plan must have been evaluated and approved by SW staff to continue TANF cash assistance and the related medical into the 2nd (and final) 90­ day period. If the plan has not been established on or before the 75th day, the case must be terminated allowing for adverse action by the last day of the month in which the 90th day fell. To establish eligibility past the 180 days the case manager must verify the child(ren) have been returned to the home. If the child(ren) have not returned to the home, the case must be terminated considering adverse action. The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) and child welfare agencies have outlined their joint mission, goals and responsibilities in a collaborative partnership contract. Each agency has agreed their respective Social Work staff will exchange vital information and coordinate and facilitate Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings to discuss the needs and progress of families. Title IV-E foster care can be paid during the time TANF/NEON assistance continues when a valid reunification plan exists. TANF payments may not be made for a concurrent period for the same child in the home of another relative. 327 TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF AN ADULT Do not reduce or terminate ongoing TANF benefits when an adult household member is temporarily out of the home, if the following conditions are met: A. The adult is out of the home because they are:  hospitalized or their child is hospitalized if verification is received the adult is expected to return to the home within 180 days; Division of Welfare and Supportive Services A-326 Eligibility and Payments Manual HOUSEHOLD DETERMINATION MTL 05/24 Nov 24 326.1 Temporary Absence of Child