Page 4

Page | 3

What criteria will Washington State use to determine whether a parent or caretaker relative is ready to engage in work before 24 months?

Washington State requires all WorkFirst participants to undergo an evaluation/screening to determine the most appropriate activities for initial engagement. Participants may enter a job search activity if the evaluation finds them “work-ready” based on current or recent work experience.

What criteria has the State established relative to a single custodial parent’s “demonstrated inability” to obtain needed child care?

Washington State recognizes that informed choice is consistent with individual responsibility and that parents should be given a range of options for available child care while participating in the WorkFirst program.

Criteria established for “demonstrated inability” to obtain needed child care include when child care: • Is not affordable - costs more than the co-payment would be under the state’s primary subsidized child care program, Working Connections Child Care (WCCC). • Is not appropriate - not licensed, certified or approved under federal, state, or tribal law and regulations for the type of care used or there is no appropriate and approved relative or in-home provider available. • Does not meet the level of care required for a child with special medical or behavioral health needs. • Is not within a reasonable distance - within reach without traveling farther than is normally expected in the community.

(c) Ensure that parents and caretakers receiving assistance engage in work in accordance with section 407 (section 402(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the Social Security Act). Consistent with the required strategic elements discussed in section II (a)(2) herein, provide a specific analysis of how the State’s workforce development activities are addressing employment and training services for parents or caretakers receiving assistance.

Washington has established program goals focused on exits to employment and wage progression. Our expectation is that low-income families who are part of WorkFirst are supported and provided with resources and services that can lead to obtaining employment and improved economic stability. To the degree possible, all low-income families will have access to services that help them gain work skills and earn enough income to become economically stable. Our State uses various welfare-to-work models, including models focused on moving job-ready participants into work, and providing employment- related training that is expected to lead directly to work for those in need of additional skills.

While DSHS is the single State agency responsible for administering the TANF program, six core state agencies work together to manage the WorkFirst program. These agencies, referred to as the WorkFirst Partnership, include: • Office of Financial Management (OFM). • Department of Commerce (Commerce). • Employment Security Department (ESD). • Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).