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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Chapter 22 Civil Rights

22.1 Civil Rights All TANF applicants and recipients are entitled to information about their civil rights. They are also entitled to information about how to file a complaint if they believe they have been subjected to discriminatory treatment by a human services provider. The civil rights protections that clients have depend on applicable state and federal civil rights laws. The ES Worker must provide the A/R with a DSS Form 2416, Know Your Rights, at each application and redetermination.

Filing Discrimination Complaints: Any individual or his/her representative may file a discrimination complaint with the County, District, or State Office of the Department of Social Services, or with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Complaints may also be filed with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. A complaint may be filed at both the state and the federal levels, separately or concurrently, at any time during the process. The complaint may concern discriminatory practices or actions on the part of DSS. The complaint may also involve practices or actions by other agency related institutions, organizations, contractors, or practitioners that participate in the TANF program by providing aid, care, or services. DSS will investigate each complaint promptly to determine whether or not it is justified and, if justified, what corrective action is appropriate.

1. Rights and Responsibilities The employment discrimination statutes prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status and unfair documentary practices regarding employment verification, sex, age, and disability in private and public-sector employment. Depending on the circumstances, the Department may be subject to coverage under both the nondiscrimination statutes and the employment discrimination statutes.

These laws apply to:

1. State agencies that receive federal money through a block grant to conduct welfare programs 2. County and city agencies that assist in job training as part of a welfare program Chapter 22