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B. Special Provisions

Time-Out Initiative

The Department incorporated a segregated state-funded program in the FY 2001-2002 budget, known as the Time-Out Initiative. This initiative provides incentives to families who are addressing barriers to self-sufficiency where an individual has been identified as a victim of DV or kinship caregivers. By segregating state funds from federal TANF funds, individuals who otherwise qualify for TANF may receive cash assistance under the segregated state-funded program that does not count towards the 60-month lifetime limit (42 U.S.C.A. §609(a)(7)(B)(1)).

In accordance with 42 U.S.C.A. §609(a)(7)(B)(1) and subject to the availability of resources, the Department intends to provide funding included in each FY for the Time- Out Initiative. Eligibility for participation in the Time-Out initiative is limited to those families who meet the income, resource, and non-financial eligibility factors associated with the TANF program.

Domestic Violence Victims and survivors of DV, sexual harassment, sexual assault and stalking may be eligible for up to 12 months of TANF Time-Out in a lifetime. These individuals may receive TANF benefits using Time-Out for six months with an additional six months if the need continues. The limit on the number of months an individual may receive Time- Out applies regardless of whether the months are consecutive. Kinship Caregiver A TANF family may qualify for Time-Out under kindship care with an adult who is:  A non-parental caretaker who has received 24 months or more of cash assistance for themselves and a related minor dependent child, or has care and control of a related minor dependent child as a result of court-ordered placement by Children and Youth Services; and

 Is not receiving cash assistance for children of their own; and

 Is meeting the minimum 20-hour weekly work requirement, is exempt or has good cause for not meeting work requirements. This initiative meets TANF purpose number one — provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives, and TANF purpose number two — end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.