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(d) 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 (section 402(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Social Security Act) Pennsylvania continues to operate its TANF program in a manner that safeguards information about applicants, recipients, and non-applicant household members. Pennsylvania adheres to the provisions on the safeguarding of information in effect prior to implementation of TANF, with the addition of the following provisions:  DHS receives information from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, the State Department of Corrections, county law enforcement and corrections agencies, and local law enforcement and corrections agencies. This information is used for eligibility purposes, i.e., to identify individuals who have been sentenced for a felony or misdemeanor and have not satisfied the penalty imposed by law, fugitive felons and individuals convicted of drug-related felonies. Information received on individuals who have a drug-related felony conviction is important only insofar as DHS may need to refer the individual to assessment/treatment.

 DHS will furnish the current address of a recipient to a Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer who certifies that the location or the apprehension of the recipient is within their official capacity. However, DHS will furnish the address only on the request of the officer and only if the officer furnishes the Department with the name of the recipient and states that the recipient is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement after conviction for a felony or high misdemeanor under State law, or the recipient has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct their official duties.  DHS will give information in response to a subpoena if directed by the Office of General Counsel.

 DHS will disclose information to entities outside the Department when necessary for restitution or collection of assistance benefits; to cooperate with IV-D agencies to enforce child support orders and paternity determination; or to protect the welfare of children and adults who are unable to manage their own affairs or otherwise protect their rights when the information is needed to get services the individual has requested and the services will advance the individual’s welfare and the individual has authorized the Department to release specific information to the agency.

 DHS will protect the rights of individuals to reasonably ensure that the information will be used for purposes associated with assistance, that the receiving agency will use the information only for the purpose for which it was