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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Chapter 13 TANF Family Plan

13.1 Assessment Process The Work Readiness Assessment Tool will be completed for the family of all TANF Work Eligible Individuals (WEI)s. It will be an overall picture of the strengths and growth areas within a family unit. It is the first step for the client after case approval because it is needed to gather information necessary for the development of the Family Plan. The assessment tool should be completed in the first week after approval when possible.

The client assessment will involve gathering and analyzing information on external and internal factors that affect the client to determine the client’s current level of employability and assess the needs of the family. A. Purpose of the Tool

• Standardizes the level of comprehension • Promotes consistency across Case Managers in terms of identifying untreated barriers among TANF population • Creates an effective roadmap to guide employment planning for TANF participants • Ensures accountability among Case Managers

B. The assessment process is used to:

1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the TANF Work program participant 2. Identify needed services 3. Develop an appropriate family plan for the participant

C. The TANF Case Manager must complete the following for work program participants:

1. DSS Form 1257, TANF Family Success Assessment; and 2. DSS Form 1022, Individual Employment Plan (IEP). Chapter 13