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24 Confidentiality Provisions Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §602(a)(1)(A)(iv), ODJFS takes steps to ensure the confidentiality of all information collected in Ohio's TANF-funded programs. Under the guidelines established that govern Ohio's TANF plan, no person or government entity shall solicit, disclose, receive, use or knowingly permit or participate in the use of any information regarding a TANF client for any purpose not directly connected with the administration of the TANF program, except that to the extent permitted under Federal law, the State will: • Release information regarding a TANF recipient for purposes directly connected to the administration of the TANF program to a government entity responsible for administering TANF; • To the extent permitted by federal law, ODJFS and CDJFS shall provide TANF information, except information directly related to the receipt of medical assistance or medical services, for purposes of investigations, prosecutions, and criminal and civil proceedings that are within the scope of the law enforcement agencies' official duties; • Provide, for purposes directly connected to the administration of a program that assists needy individuals with the costs of public utility services, information regarding a recipient of TANF to an entity administering the public utility services program; • Provide information to the following persons: the recipient, an authorized representative, a legal guardian of the recipient, and the attorney of the recipient, if the attorney has the recipient's written authorization; and • Provide information only in accordance with the written authorization. To the extent permitted under federal law, the State may do both of the following: • Release information about a TANF recipient, if the recipient or the recipient's guardian gives voluntary, written authorization; and • Release information regarding a TANF recipient to a state, federal, or federally assisted program that provides cash or in-kind assistance or services directly to individuals based on need, or for the purpose of protecting children to a government entity responsible for administering a children’s protective services program. Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancies Ohio’s goal is to reduce the number of out-of-wedlock births by at least 1% per year. Ohio hopes to achieve this reduction through a number of initiatives. Because Ohio’s LEAP program works closely with the teen parent population, another desired outcome of the LEAP program is the reduction of teen births and out-of-wedlock births. The CDJFS participate in a community planning process to determine the specific needs of their communities and address those needs through the CDJFS PRC plans. As a result of this process, many CDJFS have developed relationships with local health departments and other agencies to develop strategies aimed to reduce the number of out-of-wedlock births.