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769 Chapter 4:Working with families • Section 1: Family assessment (07/2026) • Participants score high on the initial assessment (Learning Needs Screening or GAIN-SS-MH or AD) • A barrier was identified and recommendation for mental health or substance use disorder treatment came from a psychological evaluation, or • Participants self-disclose untreated mental health or substance use disorder issues. Information gained from the evaluation including diagnosis, accommodations and recommendations will be reviewed with participant, and the case plan should be adjusted as appropriate. All accommodations must be offered and documented in the case record. Participants identified by a qualified medical professional as needing mental health or substance use disorder treatment must cooperate and follow through with the referral and the treatment program requirements. The Employability Screening form includes questions to help identify a possible disability that would affect engagement and the choice of activities. All individuals are protected from discrimination based on physical, mental, cognitive, addiction or learning disabilities. All services are available to participants, regardless of disability status, and activities should be reasonably modified, if necessary, to allow those with disabilities to engage. Participants are also provided reasonable accommodations to engage in JOBS services and activities. ERDC This does not apply to the ERDC program. REF This does not apply to the REF program. Other resources Hand-off to Family Coach: This process walks support staff/transfer clerks, eligibility workers and family coaches through the hand-off processes for CASH. Family assessment expectations SNAP This does not apply to the SNAP program. TANF The family assessment is to be completed by work authorized caretaker relatives in the need group alongside their family coach prior to goal identification and plan development. Family coaches are required to offer all domains of the family assessment within 90 days of TANF approval at both initial application and recertification. The family assessment may be conducted over a series of appointments, or in one sitting, whichever is most convenient for the participant. The purpose of ongoing assessment is to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and success in reaching milestones. IIf the participant declines to complete all or part of the family assessment, the family coach must narrate that the offer was made but declined. The family assessment may be offered again in the future if circumstances change or if the participant feels more comfortable completing at a later date once trust has been established. If it becomes difficult to offer or complete the assessment, family coaches should narrate the efforts and why all domains have not been addressed.