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1 Section I OVERVIEW OF OHIO'S TANF PROGRAMS In Ohio, the following programs and services are supported through the TANF program. Ohio Works First (OWF) - OWF is Ohio’s cash assistance program. It is a state-supervised, county- administered program that serves every political subdivision in the State. OWF provides time-limited cash assistance to needy families with (or expecting) children, by providing parents, specified relatives or legal guardians/custodians with work experience, training, and other support services needed to attain permanent self-sufficiency while meeting the family's ongoing basic needs. Non-time-limited OWF cash assistance is also provided to child-only cases. Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) - PRC is a state-supervised, county-administered program that serves every political subdivision in the State. The program is designed to provide benefits and services that are not considered assistance in accordance with 45 CFR §260.31. PRC provides ongoing services and nonrecurring short-term benefits designed to accomplish one of the four purposes of TANF, as described in 45 CFR §260.20, by addressing supports needed by working families and by addressing the needs of families with barriers to self-sufficiency. The goal is to provide the appropriate mix of cash and non-cash services that will enable the family to achieve self-sufficiency. Ohio chooses to provide services authorized by the Title IV-A Plan that was in effect on August 21, 1996. This plan authorizes Ohio to fund certain medical services and certain Child Welfare services with TANF dollars. The specific Title IV-A plan is in Appendix A. Other TANF-Funded Benefits and Services - Ohio also uses TANF funding to support several different Title IV-A programs or program components which serve TANF-eligible individuals. These programs are authorized either by the Ohio General Assembly or an Executive Order of the Governor. TANF funds must be reasonably calculated to achieve one of four purposes, as indicated by federal law. All of the programs listed are reasonably calculated to meet one or more of the four TANF purposes. The benefits and services provided under this section are not considered assistance as defined in 45 CFR §260.31(a) and are benefits and services that 45 CFR §260.31(b) excludes from the definition of assistance. Family Supports - A very important component in moving people toward self-sufficiency is the provision of adequate family supports. As families move into regular, meaningful employment, it is imperative that they are given the opportunity to access support services that help them maintain their jobs. Assistance with buying food, getting health coverage, paying for child care and transportation are all family supports that assist families in their pursuit of success. These are programs that are not TANF funded but, in coordination with PRC and OWF, support families as they pursue self-sufficiency. Overview of Funding The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has structured Federal TANF funds and State Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funds in a manner consistent with federal and state law, as well as the efficient and effective operation of programs designed to serve the needs of families envisioned in the purposes of TANF. The structure of funding may include the following: • Segregated TANF funds expended in the TANF program. • Segregated State MOE funds expended in the TANF program.