Page 20
20
Attachment A STATE OF VERMONT TANF State Plan Renewal For the period October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 CERTIFICATIONS I, Governor the of the State of Vermont, DO HEREBY CERTIFY AND ASSURE, in accordance with 42 USCA § 602(a): 1. Vermont will operate a Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program in all political subdivisions of the State under title IV-A of the Social Security Act. The program is known as the Reach Up Program. 2. The Economic Services Division (ESD) of the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) will administer and supervise the Reach Up Program. Local governments and private sector organizations: a. have been consulted regarding the plan and design of welfare services in the State so that services are provided in a manner appropriate to local populations; and b. have had at least 45 days to submit comments on the plan and design of such services. 3. The State will operate a child support enforcement program in accordance with the State Plan approved under title IV-D. 4. The State will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program in accordance with title IV-E and will take all necessary actions to ensure that children receiving assistance are eligible for medical assistance.
5. The State will provide each member of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance under a Tribal Family Assistance plan approved under 42 USCA § 612, with equitable access to assistance under the Reach Up Program attributable to funds provided by the federal government.
6. The State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to ensure against program fraud and abuse, including standards and procedures concerning nepotism, conflicts of interest among individuals responsible for the administration and supervision of the State program, kickbacks, and the use of political patronage.
7. The State will make available to the public a summary of the State Plan.
8. Vermont exercises the family violence option under 42 USCA § 602(a)(7)(A). Accordingly, DCF has adopted policy and rules, provided staff training, and implemented