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9 Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(iii) How the state will “Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance under the program engage in work activities in accordance with section 407.” Non-Compliance Process/Sanction Policy • It is the responsibility of the worker to make the determination that an individual has refused or failed to participate without good cause in an assigned work activity. • The worker must determine if the individual has good cause by making contact either by phone or in person why the individual did not complete his/her required hours as indicated on the agreed upon TANF Work Plan. • If it is determined at this contact that good cause does exist, the individual is provided assistance with either updating the TANF work plan or helping the individual resume the activity as soon as possible. • If it is determined there is not good cause for failure to participate or if after exhausting all methods of contact fails then the family unit’s cash assistance is closed or denied. The SNAP and Medical benefits are closed. Child Care will be closed at the end of 90 days. • If it is determined that the individual failed to participate in his/her TANF work plan, the case is reviewed by the supervisor and approve prior to the closure. Restricting the Use and Disclosure of Information about Individuals and Families Receiving Assistance Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(iv) How the state will “Take such reasonable steps as the State deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.” OKDHS ensures the confidentiality of all records and other information pertaining to the programs under its administration. Safeguarded information includes, but is not limited to: case names, addresses, benefit information, investigation reports, medical information, as well as all data and federal tax information. Failure to follow confidentiality rules result in disciplinary actions up to and including possible termination of employment. Disclosure to any unauthorized person is a violation of federal and state regulations. Preventing and Reducing the Incidence of Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancies Citation: 42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(v) How the state will “Establish goals and take action to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, and establish numerical goals for reducing the illegitimacy ratio of the State (as defined in section 403(a)(2)(C)(iii)).” DHS contracts with various community-based providers throughout Oklahoma to provide youth mentoring services. In addition, Oklahoma Human Services through its TANF Investment Strategy have increased supports for at risk youth in this area. These programs provide a safe environment for at risk & low-income youth and teens in the summer and after school hours. Youth and teens attending these youth mentoring and other structured activities are less likely to become involved in risky behavior. The summer and after-school hours are filled with sponsored/monitored activities, life skills, mentoring, athletic activities, nutrition, and other programs designed for the youth and teen populations to make