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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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The assessment may be done in the office.

1. Screenings, Evaluation and Assessments The assessment is used to identify potential barriers that may affect the clients’ ability to participate in activities. The results captured during the assessment will be used to refer individuals for additional assessments when indicated. The following screenings must be completed by the TANF Case Manager as deemed appropriate: 1. Basic Hearing - DSS Form 1321, TANF Hearing Questionnaire 2. Basic Vision - The individual’s ability to read the DSS 3800 application and other DSS forms without difficulty. NOTE: Based on the results of all screenings, the client may be referred for an in-depth assessment or treatment by a qualified specialist. For example, if the DSS Form 1257 shows that the client may have learning disability characteristics, the client should be referred to a qualified psychologist. A Basic Learning Disability (LD) Screening (DSS Form 1320) is done for TANF applicants by the ES Worker. (See Reference Guide) NOTE: Do not tell a client they have a learning disability and do not refer to a client as having a learning disability. Only a qualified psychologist can diagnose a learning disability.

2. Assessment Elements The assessment will focus on conditions of the family that impact the individual’s ability to participate in the TANF Work Program. During the assessment, areas to consider include, but are not limited to the following: • Demographics • Employment (e.g. skills, history, legal barriers, career interests, language • Education (e.g. highest grade level, learning disabilities, other diploma) • Housing and transportation • General health • Mental health • Substance abuse • Domestic violence – safety • Child Care and child well-being

3. Domestic/Family Violence Screening The DSS Form 3733, TANF Domestic Violence Information Notice, will be completed by the ES Worker at application. However, the CM must discuss domestic/ Family violence issues with the participant when developing the Family Plan. When a recipient requests that certain program requirements be waived because compliance would put the recipient at risk of domestic/family violence, the recipient will be referred to the local Domestic Violence Advocate (DVA) for an assessment which includes completing a safety plan.

NOTE: The safety plan will be maintained by the DVA.