108.2 General Policy

Consistent with its commitment to protect and support victims and survivors of domestic violence, Pennsylvania adopted the Federal Family Violence Option (FVO), the FVO policies and procedures have been incorporated into this chapter . The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 amended 402(a)(8) of the Social Security Act expanding definitions, policy and procedures related to domestic violence in order to:

42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(7)

55 Pa. Code § 108.1

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 H.R. 2471

Identify victims of domestic violence .

Provide universal notification.

Refer them to counseling, shelter, or other appropriate services; and

Waive TANF/Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) program requirements, including but not limited to support cooperation, work, and time limits where these requirements make it more difficult for a n individual, family member or household member to escape domestic violence; place a n individual, family member or household member at risk of further domestic violence; or unfairly penalize a n individual, family member or household member because of domestic violence.

55 Pa. Code § 187.27(a)

An individual receiving Diversion could apply for and may receive ongoing TANF benefits under the FVO .

This chapter also includes policies and procedures to protect the confidentiality of domestic violence victims and survivors , including the Family Violence Indicator (FVI), a file alert required by Federal law to prevent the release of the address of a victim or survivor of domestic violence when it would endanger the individual or the individual’s family or a household member .

55 Pa. Code § 108.14

Updated May 22, 2024, replacing August 9, 2021