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1000.12 TANF MANUAL 10/18 PAGE 30

1000.12 SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Supportive services are provided to remove barriers to the individual's participation and to stabilize employment. The provision of supportive services is contingent upon the availability of funds based on local VIEW allocations. Spending limits for supportive services are determined by the local agency and will be described in the agency’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which is part of the Annual VIEW Plan. Spending limits on supportive services will be applied equitably to each participant needing a specific service. Agencies are encouraged to explore alternatives to removing barriers if supportive service funds are limited.

If supportive services are essential for participation, and neither the participant nor the agency can provide them, and no alternatives are immediately available, the participant will be placed in an “Inactive” status for up to 90 days, which will prevent the clock from counting against the 24-month time limit. (See 1000.16 regarding limitations on the use of inactive status.) It is expected that the local agency and the participant will work together to resolve any barriers to participation.

A. Duration of Supportive Services

Supportive services may be provided for as long as the participant is in a VIEW activity, including full or part time employment, and the TANF case is open. Supportive services may also be provided when the TANF case is suspended due to a sanction in order to allow the client to comply with program requirements.

The participant may be eligible for transitional supportive services once the TANF case is closed. See 1000.22, Transitional Services. Any services that continue to be provided to the client after TANF case closure must be provided as transitional services.

B. Employment Service Worker Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the ESW to assist the applicant/recipient in meeting her service, as well as employment, needs. These needs may be met directly by the ESW or by other local agency staff or through a referral to another service provider.

C. Supportive Services for Recipients

There are five types of VIEW supportive services that the local agency can provide directly or can purchase. These services are child care, transportation, medical/dental, program and/or work related expenses and emergency intervention.

Participants who have been sanctioned or found guilty of an Intentional Program Violation are entitled to supportive services in order to maintain their employment.

Participants who have been sanctioned may also receive supportive services when the participant is performing a verifiable act of compliance as described in 1000.21. For participants who have been sanctioned, supportive services will be provided, based on client request, for a period corresponding to the time needed to perform the appropriate act of compliance. If the client does not perform a verifiable

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