Page 233

TANF POLICY MANUAL

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 233

A contact with the participant is required prior to starting a new activity. The CM is responsible for initiating the contact with clients. The IEP must be updated to reflect start and end dates of component.

NOTE 1: The participant must always be given an opportunity to demonstrate good cause prior to imposing a sanction.

NOTE 2: If a participant fails to participate in the TANF Work Program activity addressed on the conciliation agreement, without good cause, a timely notice is sent and he/she is sanctioned as appropriate. Documentation of no good cause must be made in Case Notes in SCOSA.

17.9 Sanction Process An individual or a full family sanction for failure or refusal of an adult or teen parent/adult to comply with TANF Work Requirements without good cause, may affect TANF and SNAP benefits.

If, at the conclusion of the conciliation process, the recipient has not agreed to participate, the Case Manager (CM) must notify the Economic Services Worker (ES Worker) of failed conciliation. The ES Worker must send a Notice of Adverse Action. The WEI must be informed of the termination of cash benefits, curable, when the individual reapplies and demonstrates compliance for 30 days.

NOTE: Participation in a countable Core Activity is not necessary to demonstrate compliance. Work Experience and Community Service must not be used to satisfy the 30 day compliance requirement. (See 17.14)

CAUTION: Under no circumstances should a full family sanction be imposed without prior supervisory approval.

1. Case Review Prior to Sanction Prior to imposing a full family sanction, a review of the case must be made to determine the following:

A. Reasons for failure to comply with Employment Plan. B. Involvement with Child Welfare Services C. Indication of active alcohol/substance abuse D. Prior alcohol/substance abuse. E. Indication of domestic/family violence

2. CWS Involvement Any instance of an open CWS case or active investigation will require a referral to CWS for a home visit within 30 days.

3. Staffing After reviewing the case, evidence of the following will require that a case staffing be held:

A. Evidence of active CWS involvement B. Prior or active/substance abuse