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17 ● Wide ranges of services are available to move parents to increased economic independence. Services include: Emergency rental assistance, case management, assessment, occupational skills training, adult education, job development and placement, work site learning/work experience, public/private subsidized employment, mental health and substance abuse treatment and counseling, funds for work related expenses, job readiness and life skills training.

● Domestic violence is recognized as one of the possible obstacles that individuals may need to resolve. Applicants and potential applicants for TANF are notified of assistance made available by the state to the victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administrating the TANF program are trained in: the nature and dynamics of sexual harassment and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; state standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for, individuals who are victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and methods of ascertaining and ensuring the confidentiality of personal information and documentation related to applicants for assistance and their children who have provided notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The state meets the requirements for federally recognized good cause domestic violence waivers. The state waiver on the definition of employment activities already allows for individualized assessment and development of a plan that leads to work in accordance with 45 CFR 260.55 (b)(c)((2)(3). We will be able to waive federal participation requirements along with other program requirements specified in attachment B under Optional Certification. The waivers will be determined based on need by a worker trained in domestic violence and individuals will have a service plan developed by a person trained in domestic violence in accordance with 45 CFR260.55 (c)(1).

Employment plans should be flexible and might include temporary waivers for work requirements, extensions of time limits, and customizing programs and resources to meet the individual needs of battered women in accordance with 45 CFR 260.55 (a). Plans are designed such that safety is a principal consideration and opportunities are available to victims to disclose if he or she is a victim of domestic violence and the necessary protections, services and support are available to achieve both safety and employment. Screening for domestic violence is an ongoing process, and individuals may voluntarily and confidentially disclose this at any time during their participation.

In accordance with 45 CFR 260.55 (b)(c)(1)(2)(3) all employees administering TANF assistance to individuals receive training in general domestic violence issues, screening issues, case work issues, procedures and referral issues. At initial assessment, all customers are asked four questions referred to as the TALE questions. These questions alert the employee that the customer may be dealing with domestic violence issues. A customer pathway is established that includes