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101.2 TANF MANUAL 7/24 Page 1d

101.2 COMPLAINT PROCEDURES - Any person who believes that he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political affiliation, or disability has a right to file a complaint. Such a complaint may be filed also by a representative of the person allegedly discriminated against. Procedures below are to be followed:

A. When the alleged discriminatory practice is on the part of the local department or its staff, the complaint is to be made in writing to the local social services board not later than 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. A complaint may also be filed with the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, or with the Region III Office of Civil Rights. The written complaint must include:

1. The name of the person or persons felt to have been treated unfairly.

2. The date and nature of the treatment received.

3. The names of other persons, if any, who were present when this action allegedly occurred.

4. Any other pertinent facts related to the complaint.

5. The date the complaint is made.

6. The signature of the person making the complaint.

B. Each complaint received is to be investigated and corrective action taken if appropriate.

C. If the person making the complaint requests a hearing before the local board, the request is to be granted and reasonable notice of the hearing given by the agency to those persons whose participation is necessary in a review of the questions raised in the complaint.

D. Following the hearing, the local board will give the complainant a statement of the findings, and if the complaint is justified, a statement as to what corrective action will be taken.

E. If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings of the local board, he may write within 30 days of the date of receipt of the board findings to the Virginia Department of Social Services.

F. The Virginia Department of Social Services will make an investigation of the circumstances and advise the complainant in writing of its findings and of any action to be taken by the local department.

State staff in the regional offices have responsibility for reviewing and supervising local methods of handling complaints.

TANF Transmittal 78