TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

2 TANF General Provisions

References to the State Statutes: Sections of this Plan include references to the Wisconsin Statutes. The statutes are available online at: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/prefaces/toc

References to the Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual: Sections of this Plan include references to the W-2 Manual. The W-2 Manual is published on the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) website at: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/manuals/w-2-manual/Production/default.htm

References to the Emergency Assistance (EA) Manual: Sections of this Plan include references to the EA Manual. The EA Manual is published on the Wisconsin DCF website at: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/manuals/ea-manual/Production/EA_Manual.htm

References to the State Administrative Rules: This Plan includes references to the State Administrative Rules. The Administrative Rules are published online at: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code

Wisconsin provides several types of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs, including the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) administers Wisconsin’s core TANF programs (W-2, other work programs, Kinship Care, and the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program) and is responsible for the TANF section of the WIOA Combined Plan. DCF works closely with the other state departments that also administer TANF programs and services, including the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR).

States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must outline how the State will meet the requirements of section 402 of the Social Security Act including how it will:

(a) Conduct a program, designed to serve all political subdivisions in the State (not necessarily in a uniform manner), that provides assistance to needy families with (or expecting) children, and provides parents with job preparation, work, and support services to enable them to leave the program specifically cash assistance, and become self-sufficient (section 402(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act).

Since 1997 Wisconsin has administered Wisconsin Works (W-2), a welfare-to-work program, for low-income families. W-2 is based on work participation and personal responsibility. The program provides employment preparation services, case management, supportive services, and cash assistance to eligible families.

W-2 Contracts for Calendar Years 2013 through 2025

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3 Key changes implemented in W-2 Contracts beginning with 2013 include: • Payments are structured to incentivize W-2 Contractors to prepare and place participants in sustainable jobs. • Contractors are paid for specific outcomes, as well as for allowable costs. • Longer contracts between DCF and W-2 Contractors create sustainable and stable long- term program outcomes and strengthen contract relationships. • Management and oversight of participant cash payments are administered directly by DCF so W-2 Contractors can focus on job activities without the fear of liability for cash payments. • DCF divided the state into ten geographical areas: four geographical areas in Milwaukee County, and six geographical areas in the Balance of State (BOS). These larger service areas for W-2 Contractors have been established to achieve economies of scale in operations and more cost-effective and efficient program administration.

In 2018, DCF identified funding for BOS W-2 Contractors to fund a 1.0 full time equivalent for a W-2 Child Support Liaison position, responsible for creating direct communication, coordination, and cooperation between the W-2 agencies and the local Child Support agencies with the goal of ensuring that low-income noncustodial parents receive the services they need to find work and support their children. A W-2 Child Support Liaison position was added for the four W-2 Contractors in Milwaukee in 2019. The 2013-2025 W-2 Contractors for each geographical area are: • Ross Innovative Employment Solutions in Milwaukee Northern area; • UMOS, Inc. in Milwaukee Southern area; • America Works of Wisconsin, Inc. in Milwaukee East Central area; • MAXIMUS Human Services, Inc. in Milwaukee West Central area; • Equus Workforce Solutions in BOS Southeast area; • Forward Service Corporation in BOS Southwest area; • Forward Service Corporation in BOS Northeast area; • Forward Service Corporation in BOS North Central area; • Workforce Resource, Inc. in BOS Northwest area; and • Workforce Connections, Inc. in BOS Western area.

W-2 Program Goals and Assumptions The primary goals of the W-2 program are to: help eligible parents prepare for, obtain, and keep unsubsidized employment; help parents provide for their families; and become self- sufficient members of the community in which they live. For eligible parents who cannot work for a long period of time due to significant disability, the W-2 program helps the parents apply for and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

W-2 policies are guided by the following basic assumptions: • Work is the best way for parents to support their families. • Family income should improve when parents work. • Consistent work is essential for parents to achieve economic stability. • W-2-eligible participants are parents as well as job seekers. • Eligible parents must be willing to participate in work or work-like activities in exchange for W-2 payments.

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4 • Families benefit from participating in W-2. • W-2 matches the employment needs of parents with the needs of local employers.

(See W-2 Manual Chapter 1.)

Community Steering Committees To strengthen the connection between the employment focus of W-2 and real employment opportunities in local areas, Wisconsin requires its contracted W-2 agencies to establish Community Steering Committees to identify and encourage employers to create work- experience opportunities, subsidized employment opportunities, and permanent unsubsidized jobs for W-2 participants. W-2 agencies are required to appoint to the committees at least one representative of business interests, and each county served by the W-2 agency must be represented on a steering committee by a member of the business community in that county or by a person from a city or county economic development department in that county. These committees are required to coordinate with local workforce investment boards and must appoint a chairperson that represents business interests. Wis. Stat. § 49.143(2)(a).

W-2 Program Eligibility There are five categories of individuals who may be eligible for W-2 services: 1. Individuals age 18 or older who are custodial parents of minor children; 2. Individuals age 18 or older who are Non-Custodial Parents (NCPs) of minor children and the subject of a child support order, if the custodial parent of the minor children is participating in W-2 or the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy; 3. Individuals under age 18 who are custodial parents of minor children; 4. Pregnant women age 18 or older who are not custodial parents; and 5. Unmarried pregnant women age 18 or older who are in their third trimester of an at-risk pregnancy that results in their inability to work.

Custodial parents may be eligible for all W-2 services. Minor parents and NCPs may be eligible for W-2 case management services and Job Access Loans (JAL). An NCP may also be eligible for a monetary stipend for up to four months or a Trial Employment Match Program (TEMP) job. Pregnant women who are not custodial parents are eligible for case- management services. Those in their third trimester of an at-risk pregnancy that renders them unable to work may be eligible for cash assistance.

W-2 Program Financial and Non-financial Eligibility Requirements Financial Eligibility Requirements The W-2 group’s income must be at or below 115 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). All earned and unearned income of all the W-2 group members is counted in determining the 115 percent gross income test, with the exception of the following: • Tax Refunds; • Educational aid; • Federally funded benefits; and • Earned income of a dependent child. (Wis. Stat. § 49.145(3)(b))

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5 At application, the W-2 group’s assets cannot exceed $2,500 in combined equity value, excluding the combined equity value of vehicles up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and one home that serves as the homestead (Wis. Stat. § 49.145(3)(a)).

Once eligible for W-2, if the W-2 group’s assets exceed $2,500 for two consecutive months, the group becomes ineligible for W-2 (Wis. Stat. § 49.145(4)).

2017 Wisconsin Act 269 provides that the value of a home serving as the W-2 group’s homestead may only be excluded if the home is valued at no more than 200 percent of the statewide median value for homes, excluding the value of agricultural land owned by the W- 2 group. DCF has established a hardship exemption to these asset restrictions by administrative rule in Wis. Admin. Code § DCF 101.09(3m)(c). The hardship exemption allows agency workers to disregard any home valued at more than 200 percent of the statewide median home value if any of the following criteria are met: • No member of the W-2 group has the legal right to sell the home, including for reasons such as the home is subject to pending litigation and the home is jointly owned with a person who is not in the Wisconsin Works group and who refuses to consent to the individual in the Wisconsin Works group selling his or her share; • The individual had a recent sudden loss of income due to death, divorce, separation, or non-payment of support; • The Wisconsin Works group includes an incapacitated group member; or • The individual is or has been a victim of domestic abuse or is at risk of further domestic abuse, or the home is jointly owned with the abuser, and the abuser is not a member of the Wisconsin Works group. Non-financial Eligibility Requirements 1. Custodial parent [Except NCPs are eligible for JALs, limited stipends, and TEMP placements]. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(a). 2. Age 18 or above. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(b). 3. U.S. Citizen or qualifying alien. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(c) and § 49.84(5). 4. Residence in Wisconsin. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(d). 5. Cooperation in establishing paternity. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(f)1.a. 6. Cooperation in obtaining support payments. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(f)1.b. 7. Furnishes agency with relevant information. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(g). 8. Made good-faith effort to obtain employment, has not refused any bona fide offer of employment within the 180 days prior to application, and searches for unsubsidized employment while the application is processed, if required by the W-2 agency. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(h)-(hm), and Wis. Stat. § 49.147(2)(a). 9. Not receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security Child’s Disability (SSDC), or state supplemental payments. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(i). 10. Not participating in a strike. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(j). 11. Applies for or has a Social Security Number. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(k) and § 49.82(2); Wis. Admin. Code § DCF 101.09 (2). 12. Reports changes in circumstances within 10 days. Wis. Stat. §49.145(2)(m). 13. Participation in W-2 does not exceed 48 months except when the agency determines that the individual is experiencing hardship or that the individual's family includes an

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6 individual who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. Wis. Stat. §49.145(2)(n). The 48 month lifetime eligibility limit went into effect with the passage of administrative rule Wis. Admin. Code § DCF 101.09(2)(n), which was implemented November 1, 2021. 14. No other member of the W-2 group is participating in W-2. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(q). 15. Not a fugitive felon. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(r). 16. Not violating a condition of probation, extended supervision, or parole. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(rm). 17. Assigns to the state any support or maintenance from any other person. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(s). 18. Identifies in writing whether s/he has been convicted of a drug felony. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(v). 19. Complies with other eligibility criteria established by the Department through administrative rule. Wis. Stat. § 49.145(2)(L). 20. Not ineligible due to receipt of child care assistance while residing with the child’s other parent and that parent refuses to participate in prescribed work, training, or community- service activities. Wis. Stat. § 49.15 and Wis. Stat. § 49.151(1m). (See W-2 Manual Chapter 2.)

W-2 Program Services and Placements The primary components of W-2 case management include screening and assessment, development of employment goals and an Employability Plan (EP), and participation in activities associated with the individual’s assigned paid or unpaid placement. Case management is a dynamic process, and plans and activities are subject to changes which reflect additional information obtained during ongoing case management.

Screening and Assessment Screening and assessment include informal assessment, educational needs assessment, career assessment, and formal assessment. The purpose of the informal assessment is to gather information about an individual and his or her family to determine the individual's ability to become employed and remain employed; services and activities necessary for the individual to become employed and remain employed; appropriate placement of a participant; need for further career assessment and planning; need for vocational evaluation; existence of potential disabilities or other specific limitations through screening with a validated screening tool; and need for a formal assessment of any disabilities or other employment barriers by a qualified assessing agency or individual. Informal assessment is an ongoing case management practice which starts during the W-2 application period and continues until the individual no longer receives W-2 services. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 5.)

Employability Plan Every W-2 participant works with a Financial and Employability Planner (FEP) to develop an initial EP. The EP is developed through a collaborative process between the FEP and the applicant or participant taking into consideration the individual’s personal strengths and barriers identified through assessment. It details what the individual will do to reach his/her employment goal (or goal to obtain SSI/SSDI) and what the W-2 program will do to assist in that effort. The EP also may include goals to help the participant meet basic and immediate family needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care. Meeting these needs helps the family to achieve and/or maintain economic stability. The EP is reviewed and updated at

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7 least once every six months, and may be updated more frequently if individual circumstances change. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 6.)

W-2 Program Paid and Unpaid Placements The W-2 program has paid placements in which the participant receives a monthly payment, a subsidized employment placement in which the participant receives a subsidized wage, and unpaid placements in which the participant receives case management services only. Every applicant and participant is assigned to a placement to meet his or her individual needs. The W-2 program has multiple placements to meet the needs of eligible parents with varying skills and circumstances.

W-2 Paid Placements The W-2 program’s paid placements are: Community Service Job (CSJ); W-2 Transition (W-2 T); Custodial Parent of an Infant (CMC); and At-Risk Pregnancy (ARP). 1. CSJ placements are for individuals who need to develop basic skills and work habits in a work training environment. Two-third, one-half, and one-third time CSJ placements may be used for individuals already working part-time who need to develop additional skills for full-time employment. CSJ participants are expected to complete 40 hours of activities per week but can be assigned fewer hours depending on the participant’s circumstances. Of these 40 hours, up to 10 hours per week can be in education and training activities. CSJ work training hours countable toward the maximum 40 hours of activity as approved by the FEP may include: • Work experience; • Training activities conducted at the CSJ work training site; • Other assigned work training activities, such as: o Job search activities; o Vocational rehabilitation; and o Meetings with child support agency staff, social workers, health care professionals or other meetings approved by the FEP and necessary to prepare a participant for employment. Training Activities CSJ participants are expected to complete 40 hours of activities per week but can be assigned fewer hours depending on the participant’s circumstances. Of these 40 hours, up to 10 hours per week can be in education and training activities. The following are considered education and training activities (education and training can be up to 10 hours of the total 40 hours/week of activities) for W-2 participants: • A course of study meeting the standards established under Wis. Stats. § 115.29(4) for the granting of a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation. • English-as-a-Second Language. Adult basic education courses. • Technical college courses and other educational courses that provide an occupational skill. • Employer-sponsored training. W-2 agencies coordinate with technical colleges to offer certified (or diploma/degree) training programs, and also work directly with employers to develop on-site training opportunities. These training courses must be tied directly to occupations for which there are job openings in the community. Examples include, but are not limited to:

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8 Basic welding, keyboard/data entry, certified nursing assistants, utility installation, office software, food preparation, electronic assembly, child care, press production, entrepreneurial/small business; and hospitality training.

Work training helps to prepare participants for unsubsidized employment (Work training can be up to 40 hours of the 40 hour/week activities).

The following are considered work training for W-2 Participants: • Vocational Rehabilitation, which is supervised unpaid training at a work site at a public business or organization, private not-for-profit business or organization, or a private-for-profit business or organization; • Training activities conducted at the CSJ work site.

2. W-2 T placements are for individuals who are unable to perform independent, self- sustaining work because of domestic abuse, functional limitations, disability, or family barriers. Based on the results of a formal assessment, the participant may be assigned up to 40 hours per week in activities, which may include work training, other W-2 T activities, and education and training. Examples of W-2 T work-training activities approved by the FEP may include: • Community rehabilitation program - a program that provides directly, or facilitates the provision of, vocational rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities and that enables an individual with a disability to maximize opportunities for employment. Services may include vocational assessment, job readiness training, job placement, and on-the-job support targeted at individuals with disabilities. Assignable activities vary depending on the focus of the program, but may include: • Disability and Learning Assessment; • Career Planning & Counseling; • Employment Search; • Mentoring/Coaching; • Job Readiness/Motivation; • Occupational Testing; • On-The-Job Training; • Paid Work Experience in the public sector, not funded by TANF; • Work Experience; • Activities similar to a CSJ, but with more supervision; or • Volunteer activities.

3. CMC placements are for individuals who are the custodial parent of an infant who is eight weeks old or younger. Participants in this placement are not assigned to activities; however, they are encouraged to volunteer for activities that help them prepare for work and the demands of being a parent.

4. ARP placements are for unmarried women who are in the third trimester of an at-risk pregnancy that results in their being unable to work, and who meet all W-2 eligibility criteria except that they are not a custodial parent of a dependent child. Participants in this placement are not assigned to activities; however, they may volunteer, with medical

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9 approval, for activities that help them prepare for work and the demands of being a parent.

W-2 Subsidized Employment Placement The W-2 program’s subsidized employment placement is the Trial Employment Match Program (TEMP) job placement. TEMP job placements are for individuals who have some basic employment skills but still need some assistance and work experience to succeed in unsubsidized employment. An individual working in a TEMP job earns at least minimum wage, and the W-2 agency subsidizes all or a portion of the hourly wages paid to the individual by the employer. There are two TEMP placements: TEMP for custodial parents (CPs) and TEMP for non-custodial parents (NCPs). TEMP placements are available to CPs and NCPs statewide as of January 1, 2019. NCP TEMP is an exception to the general requirement that W-2 participants be CPs. An NCP that is cooperating with child support and shares a child in common with a CP who is in W-2 or receiving a Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy (due to participation in other qualifying activities, typically unsubsidized employment), is eligible for a TEMP job and enhanced case management, including a monetary stipend for up to four months.

W-2 Unpaid Placements The W-2 program’s unpaid placements are: Case Management Job Ready (CMJ); Case Management Follow-Up (CMF); Case Management for Underemployed (CMU); Case Management for Non-Custodial Parents (CMN); Case Management for Minor Parents (CMM); Case Management for Pregnant Women (CMP); and Case Management Denied (CMD). 1. CMJ placements are for unemployed individuals who are able to find and keep employment. The goal of the CMJ placement is to rapidly connect individuals who are job ready to employment. CMJ participants are generally assigned to employment search, career planning, and job readiness/motivation activities. 2. CMF placements support job retention for 12 months for on-going W-2 participants who progress from a paid placement to unsubsidized employment. CMF activities encourage participants to stay employed and advance in their careers. Qualifying CMF placed participants may be eligible for a worker supplement, known as CMF+. 3. CMU placements are for employed applicants who do not have any barriers to full-time employment and meet the W-2 nonfinancial and financial eligibility requirements. The goal of CMU is to give participants the assistance they need to stay employed and advance in their careers. CMU placements are also for participants that participated in the CMF placement for twelve months and wish to receive additional case management services. 4. CMN placements are for NCPs of children whose CP is either participating in W-2 or receiving subsidized child care assistance. CMN activities may include employment search, job retention services, career advancement services, and education and training. A stipend may be paid to NCPs who are unemployed, participating in education and training in certain counties, and are not ready for a TEMP job. 5. CMM placements are for custodial minor parents. Case management services include providing individuals with information on family planning services, available child care services to enable the individual to complete school, employment and training services, and eligibility for other programs, including medical assistance and nutrition programs.

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10 6. CMP placements are for pregnant women who do not have custody of any children. Activities include job search, child care related activities, and activities designed to reduce barriers to employment. Once the child is born, the participant may be eligible for the paid CMC placement, discussed above. CMPs typically transition to the CMC placement after the birth of the child. 7. CMD placements are for individuals who have reached their W-2 time limit and are no longer eligible for a W-2 paid placement. Activities include help to match the individual to employment, to connect the individual and family to services in the community, and to reassess on a monthly basis whether the individual is eligible for an extension. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 7.)

Time Limits The maximum period of participation in a TEMP, CSJ, or W-2 T placement is limited to 24 months for each placement. Extensions of the 24month limit may be available on a limited basis when barriers exist that prevent employment. (See W-2 Manual, Chapter 2.) Under provisions of 2015 Wisconsin Act 55, Wisconsin changed its maximum lifetime limit from 60 months for W-2 participation to 48 months, as well as the criteria for approving extensions. Under the amended statute, W-2 agencies may grant extensions of the 48-month lifetime limit if they determine, in accordance with rules promulgated by DCF, that an individual is experiencing hardship or that the individual’s family includes a member who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. Act 55 also contained non-statutory language that gives DCF discretion to allow individuals participating in W-2 on the effective date of the 48- month lifetime limit to remain in W-2 for an appropriate time beyond 48 months in order to allow for transition out of W-2. DCF promulgated rules to define “hardship” and the criteria for the transition period, which was implemented November 1, 2021 (See W-2 Manual Chapter 2.)

Hardship Definition From Wis. Admin. Code DCF 101.095(5) A W-2 agency may, subject to subs. (6) and (7), extend the 48-month lifetime limit under sub. (1) if the agency determines that the individual meets the conditions in par. (a) or (b) as follows: (a) Hardship. The individual is experiencing hardship due to any of the following: 1. The individual is unable to work due to a personal disability or incapacitation. 2. The individual needs to remain at home to care for a member of the individual's Wisconsin works group whose incapacity is so severe that without in-home care provided by the individual the health and well-being of the Wisconsin works group member would be significantly affected. 3. The individual has significant limitations to employment such as any of the following: a. Low achievement ability, learning disability, or emotional problems of such severity that they prevent the individual from obtaining or retaining unsubsidized employment but are not sufficient to meet the criteria for eligibility for supplemental security income under 42 USC 1383c or social security disability insurance under 42 USC 401 to 433. b. Family problems of such severity that they prevent the individual from obtaining or retaining unsubsidized employment.

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11 4. The individual has made all appropriate efforts to find work and is unable to find employment because local labor market conditions preclude a reasonable job opportunity. In this subdivision, “reasonable job opportunity” means a job that pays at least minimum wage and conforms to all applicable federal and state laws. The W-2 agency shall document at least one of the following: a. The inability of W-2 participants with similar skills, or engaged in job searches in similar geographic and occupational areas, to find unsubsidized jobs. b. The unavailability of jobs in labor market sectors that match the individual's skills, as supported by specific examples of layoffs in these labor market sectors or by labor market data published by the department of workforce development or the United States department of labor. c. The unavailability of jobs in the labor market within a reasonable distance and travel time of the individual's home, as supported by specific examples of layoffs in this labor market or by labor market data published by the department of workforce development or the United States bureau of labor statistics. 5. The individual is unable to work to due to current participation in a substance abuse treatment program certified to provide treatment for substance abuse under ss. DHS 75.10 to 75.15 or psychosocial rehabilitation services as approved by the department. (a) Battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. The individual's Wisconsin works group includes a member who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty based on the fact that the member has been subjected to any of the following: 1. Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury to the individual. 2. Sexual abuse. 3. Sexual activity involving a dependent child. 4. Being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependent child to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities. 5. Threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse. 6. Mental abuse. 7. Neglect or deprivation of medical care.

Drug Felons If a participant in a CSJ or W-2 T placement was convicted in any state or federal court of a drug-related felony within five years of applying for a W-2 paid placement, the individual must submit to a test for use of a controlled substance as a condition of continued eligibility.

If the test results are positive, the W-2 agency must decrease the pre-sanction benefit amount for that participant by up to 15 percent for no fewer than 12 months, or for the remainder of the participant's period of participation in the employment position, if less than 12 months. The W-2 agency may also require an individual who tests positive for use of a controlled substance to participate in a drug abuse evaluation, assessment, and treatment program as part of the work or education and training requirements for that employment position. The participant will be required to take another drug test at the end of the sanction

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12 period to determine whether he or she is eligible for a full W-2 payment. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 11.)

Controlled Substance Abuse Screening, Testing, and Treatment 2017 Wisconsin Act 59 expanded current controlled substance abuse screening, testing, and treatment requirements as a condition of eligibility for certain DCF work experience programs to the following W-2 paid placements: TEMP, CSJ, and W-2 T. Individuals applying for a W-2 paid placement as well as all adult members of the applicant's W-2 group whose income or assets are included in determining the individual's eligibility for W-2 will be subject to the requirements. The screening and testing requirements do not apply to custodial parents of a child who is eight weeks old or less, women in a medically verified at- risk pregnancy, or group members exempted by DCF administrative rule. DCF is required to promulgate rule to implement the controlled substance abuse screening, testing, and treatment requirements for W-2.

Individuals applying for a W-2 paid placement as well as all adult group members of their W- 2 group will be required to complete a controlled-substance abuse screening. If, on the basis of the screening results, the administering agency determines there is a reasonable suspicion that the individual or group member is abusing a controlled substance, the individual or group member must undergo a drug test. Individuals or group members who test positive for a controlled substance without evidence of a valid prescription will be required to participate in a treatment program in order to remain eligible to participate. During the time that an individual or group member is receiving substance abuse treatment, the individual or group member is required to undergo random testing for the use of a controlled substance. In addition, a test for the use of a controlled substance is required at the completion of substance abuse treatment.

If an individual or any of the individual's W-2 group members fails to satisfy the screening, testing, or treatment requirements, then the individual will remain partially eligible for reduced monthly payments under a CSJ or W-2 T placement. A protective payee will receive the payment and use it exclusively for the benefit of the dependent children. The individual will remain partially eligible for 12 months. DCF may promulgate rules providing criteria for the individual to regain eligibility for full participation earlier than the end of the 12-month period.

W-2 Related Programs In addition to the W-2 program, W-2 agencies administer the “related programs” of Contracted Child Care, Emergency Assistance (EA), Job Access Loans (JAL), and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) to help eligible individuals and their families. 1. Contracted Child Care provides short-term child care at the W-2 agency locations or through contracted slots at a regulated child care provider to ensure children are in a quality child care setting while their parents are accessing services at the W-2 agency. 2. EA provides funding to families that meet all EA eligibility requirements including experiencing a current emergency due to homelessness, impending homelessness, energy crisis, fire, flood, or natural disaster. (See EA Manual.) 3. JALs are short-term, interest-free loans to meet immediate and discrete expenses related to obtaining or maintaining employment. Eligibility Criteria

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13 a. Be a Custodial Parent (CP) (see 2.3.1 for adult CPs or 17.2.1.1 for minor CPs) or b. Be a NCP (see 17.2.1.2); c. Meet all other W-2 nonfinancial and financial eligibility criteria as defined in W-2 Manual Chapters 2 and 3; d. Need the loan to address an immediate and discrete financial crisis that is not the result of the individual’s failure to accept a bona fide offer of employment or the individual’s termination of a job without good cause. The individual must be either: employed and need the loan to continue employment; or need the loan to obtain employment. e. Not be in default in the repayment of any current JAL or cash assistance overpayment recoupment; f. Not be a migrant worker; and g. Have an acceptable repayment plan as defined below: h. The W-2 agency has completed a budget with the applicant which demonstrates the applicant’s ability to repay the loan in cash within the agreed upon repayment timeframe making regular monthly payments. i. The W-2 agency works with the applicant to develop an agreed upon repayment plan which may include in-kind community service work. At least 25% of the loan must be repaid in cash. j. The initial repayment period may be up to 12 months and may be extended to 24 months at the time of repayment renegotiation. k. No outstanding balance due can exceed $1,600 in any 12 month period for any one loan recipient. l. JAL applicants meeting these eligibility criteria are not entitled to a loan, but may be approved for a loan as long as funding is available. 4. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a time-limited program for refugees who have a low income, meet the financial eligibility standards of W-2, and meet the RCA program’s criteria for refugee status. A parallel assistance program is the Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) program for those who do not meet Medicaid eligibility criteria. (See Bureau of Refugee Programs Policy Manual) Note: Wisconsin funds RCA with funding other than TANF or TANF Maintenance of Effort (MOE).

Many of Wisconsin’s TANF programs use a percentage of the FPL to define eligible needy families. While each program has its own standards, none exceed 300 percent of the FPL. The applicable program description indicates when an alternate measure of neediness is used.

Wisconsin’s Other TANF Programs and Services In addition to W-2 and the W-2 Related Programs described in this section, Wisconsin supports other TANF programs and services described below.

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14 Note: In addition to the W-2 and the Related Programs described in this Plan, the below programs are anticipated to be funded with TANF and/or MOE funding during the plan period.

Wisconsin Shares Wisconsin uses TANF funds to provide child care subsidies to certain individuals who are not current participants in its W-2 program. These individuals have a need for child care to participate in specific qualifying activities, including other work programs (the DCF- administered Transform Milwaukee Jobs and Transitional Jobs programs, and the DHS- administered FoodShare Employment and Training Program) and basic education, technical college, or employment-skills education programs determined by the child care eligibility agency to promote employment retention (eligibility under these provisions is limited to individuals working at least five hours a week and limited to a maximum of two years). The individual must earn less than 185 percent of the FPL at initial eligibility and less than 200 percent FPL for continuation, and co-payments based on family size and income apply. Starting in state fiscal year (SFY) 2025, provisions set 200 percent as the single initial eligibility and phase-out threshold for Wisconsin Shares subsidies.

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 amended state law to provide that, once eligible, an individual whose income subsequently exceeds 200 percent FPL remains eligible until the individual’s family income exceeds 85 percent of the state median income (SMI). Wisconsin will define exceeding 85 percent of the SMI as the countable gross income for the assistance group exceeding that level for two consecutive months. Depending on family size, 85 percent of Wisconsin’s SMI is estimated to equate to between 205 percent and 299 percent of the FPL. Starting in SFY 2025, the family's copayment increased by $1.00 for every $5.00 by which the family's gross income exceeds 200 percent FPL, increasing $1 for every $3. As a result, the subsidy will scale down with an increase in income rather than sharply dropping at the exit threshold. This policy change is designed to reduce the experience of a “benefit cliff” following an increase in income. Wisconsin implemented the phase-out period for continuing eligibility in 2018. Wis. Stat. § 49.155(1m)(c)1d.

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 also created an asset limit of $25,000 for eligibility in the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program effective November 1, 2017, for new eligibility determinations and reviews on. 2017 Wisconsin Act 269 also created two new asset restrictions for Wisconsin Shares eligibility. Under the Act, an applicant’s family also cannot own more than one home, which is valued at more than two hundred percent (200%) of the statewide median value for homes, excluding the value of agricultural land owned by the family. An applicant’s family also cannot own any number of vehicles with a combined equity value of more than $20,000, except vehicles used for business purposes. DCF established a hardship exemption to the asset restrictions with Wis. Admin. Code § DCF 101.09(3m)(c). This program aligns with TANF Purposes 1 and 2.

Child Welfare Prevention Services Since 2001 (pursuant to an ACF suggestion to align services with TANF purposes 3 and 4), Wisconsin has used federal TANF funds to supplement services to prevent child abuse and neglect in Milwaukee County. Specifically, DCF provides TANF funds through the Brighter Futures program. Brighter Futures supports positive youth development and prevention programs in high-risk communities and high-poverty neighborhoods. This program targets service delivery to the most vulnerable populations which include families from the lowest-

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15 income neighborhoods of their service-delivery areas. These services also support fatherhood initiatives and two-parent families as a stabilizing force in the lives of children. This program aligns to Purposes 3 and 4 by preventing and reducing the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies and encouraging formation and maintenance of two-parent families by offering services to strengthen parenting skills, improve parent and child family relationships, prevent out-of-home placements of children and encourage family participation.

Additionally, DCF contracts with the Milwaukee Health Department to support Empowering Families of Milwaukee, a home-visiting program for pregnant women and their families, and families with infants and toddlers. Goals include improving birth outcomes and preventing child abuse and neglect. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, home visiting moved to a virtual platform and families continued to be served by the home visiting program. Services are targeted to the eleven zip code areas within Milwaukee that have the lowest income levels, high rates of child abuse and neglect referrals, and poor birth outcomes. There are no financial eligibility requirements for a family to receive these services under TANF. Therefore, Wisconsin uses 100 percent TANF funds for this program (per federal requirements relating to services for TANF Purpose 4).

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 modified the traditional Milwaukee Prevention Services TANF program to allow it to be used to supplement and expand the number of “Family Foundations Home Visiting” (FFHV) programs statewide—an umbrella term Wisconsin has used since 2011 for the Empowering Families Milwaukee program and programs in other counties and tribes funded from the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grant and associated state funds. Wisconsin believes children and families will benefit from expanding these services to more areas and families than what can be supported through current MIECHV funding levels. FFHV uses four evidence-based models to provide expectant and new parents with voluntary supports and mentoring through their children’s early years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, home visiting moved to a virtual platform and families continued to be served by the home visiting program. TANF funds are targeted to provide services to needy families, who may be facing community violence or experiencing mental health or other challenges as well as poverty. https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cwportal/homevisiting

Grants for Innovative Prevention Services 2017 Wisconsin Act 254 authorized a new program under which DCF may award grants to counties, nonprofit organizations, or tribes to fund child-abuse and neglect prevention services. Grant applicants must provide matching funds toward proposed projects and services equal to 9.89 percent of the TANF grant amount from DCF. DCF is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the grant program in achieving its stated goals and must first submit a biannual report on the evaluation to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature beginning in June 2021. Wis. Stat § 49.175(1)(uk). This program falls under TANF Purpose 4, which does not require a definition of needy. Due to the nature of matching necessary services to the grant recipient’s location, each organization has its own eligibility criteria. Here is information on two grant recipients:

Dane County Department of Human Services uses this grant to expand prevention services aimed at reducing the contact families may have with the child welfare system and

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16 preventing the removal of children from their homes. The organization has implemented enhancements to the Northside Early Childhood Zone (NECZ), a two-generational home visiting approach to enhancing parents’ capacities to support their children to reach their potential and reduce formal intervention with Dane County CPS for families at the highest risk of child neglect. The DCF Prevention Grant will provide greater access to employment and education supports and mental health therapist services. Vitality Cafes and additional trainings will be implemented. The organization decides eligibility using an assessment tool for screening for child neglect and neediness:

Eligible for Tier 1 services: Families with children under the age of four who are currently residing in the 53704 zip code and are screened as high-risk for neglect. Eligible for Tier 2 services: Families already receiving NECZ services that do not screen as high-risk for neglect. Eligible for Tier 3 services: Families from Madison’s north side with children ages 0-5 who are in need of concrete basic needs supports.

Northwest Connection Family Resources, Hayward, Wisconsin Northwest Connection Family Resources has implemented the Community Response program model with ‘Northern Enhancements’ in accordance with the Community Response Program Manual. This short-term prevention program includes case management, home visits, collaborative goal setting, comprehensive family assessments, and flex funds to address critical financial stressors. After a referral is made, the Community Response Specialist (CRS) calls the family within four days to introduce the program and schedule a follow up appointment. The CRS notifies the family that services are voluntary and explains the purpose of the program. The CRS completes an intake process. Services are provided in the family’s home or a location convenient for the family. Services are typically provided for 12-20 weeks, though Northwest Connection Family Resources will extend the length of services based on family need.

Additionally, Northwest Connection Family Resources will provide new baby visits to parents of newborns, which includes one visit at the hospital (when timing allows/when hospital is open to visitors), three additional home visits may be offered based on the parental/newborn needs in the family's home. The Period of Purple crying program will be implemented. Two Parent Cafés will also be offered. (Additional Parent Cafés may be offered based on funding). Each Parent Café will include three two-hour sessions that include greetings, family dinner or snacks, parent discussions in small groups, a family activity (materials/supplies needed provided to each family by delivery or pick-up if offered virtually), and goodbye closing.

Eligibility: Northwest Connection Family Resources will provide Community Response services to families in Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe who are screened out after a Child Protective Services report has been made or when the case is closed after an initial assessment. Eligibility will be expanded and referrals will also be received from other community partners such as schools and health care centers (Eligibility will be expanded to serve families who are working in Sawyer County or have children enrolled in child care or school in Sawyer County.) This allows families who identify Sawyer County as their primary community for services to receive CRP services. It is anticipated that 100 new parents will receive new baby visits and/or complete “Babies Cry: Be Prepared” created by

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17 the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board annually and that up to 40 adult participants and their children will participate in Parent Cafés during the grant period. Families participating in CRP, New Baby Hospital visits, New Baby Visits and/or Parent Café will have access to additional concrete supports; to help families increase family functioning, reduce family stress and increase the likelihood to make progress or meet their identified goals. Additionally, concrete support and/or Triple P one on one may be provided as outreach to engage families as a gateway to potential enrollment.

Grants for Substance Abuse Prevention to At-Risk Youth 2017 Wisconsin Act 261 authorized a new TANF-funded program under the Brighter Futures statute beginning on or after July 1, 2018. Under this program, DCF must administer grants to provide evidence-based programs and practices for substance abuse prevention to at-risk youth and their families. Eligible grant recipients include nonprofit corporations or public agencies in Milwaukee County, certain county departments, other than in Milwaukee County, and federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands. DCF may not award a grant to a county or tribe that offered evidence-based programs and practices for substance abuse prevention in the preceding fiscal year, unless those services were previously funded by a grant under this program. Wis. Stats. §48.545(2)(c), and §49.175(1)(o). 2019 Wisconsin Act 9 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 58 continued to fund the Brighter Futures program. Brighter Futures offers services with the purpose of preventing and reducing the incidence of non- marital pregnancy; youth violence; youth alcohol and other substance use and abuse; child abuse and neglect; and to increase adolescent self-sufficiency by encouraging high school graduation, vocational preparedness, improved social and other interpersonal skills and responsible decision making. This program aligns to Purposes 3 and 4 by preventing and reducing the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and encouraging formation and maintenance of two-parent families by offering services to strengthen parenting skills, improve parent and child family relationships, prevent out-of-home placements of children and encourage family participation.

Families and Schools Together (FAST) FAST is an evidence-based prevention/early intervention program that connects schools, families and communities to enhance family functioning; promote scholastic success; and prevent substance abuse, delinquency and child maltreatment. The FAST Program consists of eight weekly sessions during which parents and children participate in structured experiences and activities that build cohesiveness and provide opportunities for parents to strengthen their role in the family. Upon completion of the FAST program, parents are transitioned into FAST Works, a parent-led sustainability program that assists and encourages families to maintain connections with each other over the next several years.

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 authorized use of TANF funds to pilot the FAST program in five Milwaukee elementary schools chosen by the department. Wis. Stat. § 49.175(1)(d). In the 2017-18 school year, 81.7 percent of the students in the Milwaukee School District have been identified as economically disadvantaged, meaning that they are a member of a household qualifying for free or reduced priced meals. DCF collaborated with the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to select five schools identified by MPS as low-performing. Three of the five schools selected for FAST in the 2017-18 school year (and for follow-up in 2018-19) are located in the 53206 zip code, which has been identified as especially challenged. The target population for the FAST pilot is families with pupils in 4-year-old kindergarten through

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18 third grade. 2019 Wisconsin Act 9 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 58 continued to fund this program. This program falls under TANF purpose 4.

Homeless Case Management Services Grants 2017 Wisconsin Act 59 created the Homeless Case Management Services Grant Program that is administered by the DOA, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources. 2019 Wisconsin Act 9 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 58 continued to fund this program. Under the program, grantees will provide intensive case management services to homeless families. For eligibility under this program, “homeless families” means: 1. Homeless adults (age 18 or older) accompanied by minor children (under age 18 for whom the homeless adults are legally responsible, or under 19 but a full-time student in high school, working on an equivalency degree, or enrolled in basic vocational or technical education); 2. Homeless pregnant women. 3. Non-custodial parents of children under the age of 18; or 4. Individuals who are over age 18 but younger than age 25 and accompanied by another person related by blood or marriage.

Services provided may include financial management, employment supports, ensuring school continuation for children, and enrolling unemployed or underemployed parents in W-2 or the FoodShare Employment and Training Program. The Homeless Case Management Services Grant Program is funded by federal TANF. Funds must be used for services and must benefit needy families. This program falls under TANF Purpose 2.

State Supplement to Earned Income Tax Credit The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) administers a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which supplements the wages and self-employment income of lower-income working families. TANF funds are used only for the portion of this refundable credit actually paid out to eligible families. State funds not claimed as MOE are used to pay amounts credited to claimants but intercepted to offset debts. MOE is only claimed if state funds exceeding the 1995 level are used for the TANF-eligible refunds. Persons are eligible for the tax credit if they had at least one qualifying child residing with them, were a full-year resident of Wisconsin, and qualified for the federal EITC. The state program is funded primarily with federal TANF funds but may be funded with state funds or co-mingled funds. The DOR follows the federal earned income credit which is in effect for Wisconsin purposes. Wisconsin did not adopt section 204(c) of Public Law 116-94 relating to the disaster area provision allowing certain taxpayers to use earned income from the preceding tax year to compute the current year federal earned income credit. Therefore, if this federal provision applies to any Wisconsin residents, they must recompute their federal earned income credit using Wisconsin's definition of the Internal Revenue Code to compute the Wisconsin earned income credit. The state’s EITC functions as a supplement to low-income working families with children. The amount per family is based on a percentage of the federal EITC, with adjustments made for family size. People in Wisconsin are eligible to receive the tax credit if they had at least one qualifying child residing with them, were a full-year Wisconsin resident, and qualified for the federal EITC. According to the IRS website, to generally qualify for EITC, an individual must have worked and earned income under $59,187; have investment income below $10,300; have a valid SSN; be a U.S. citizen or resident alien; and not have filed a tax form

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19 regarding Foreign Earned Income. This program falls under Purpose 2, reducing the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage

Educational Support Services to Needy Students DPI administers funding that assists needy families and their children through educational and non-educational programs provided through the public school system. Wisconsin anticipates claiming for MOE in the Plan period only aid programs that are highly targeted to provide enhanced services to needy families and the portion of the expenditure that is reasonably allocable to eligible families, based on those qualifying for free-and-reduced lunch programs. Specifically: • State-funded School Nutrition Programs (state supplemental funding for school lunch and breakfast programs, and a state funded “School Day Milk” program); and • The Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) Program. This program replaced the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) program, and only schools that previously participated in SAGE are permitted to participate in AGR. Under SAGE, DPI made grants to schools with a high percentage of low-income pupils which agreed to reduce classroom sizes and enact certain other policies. The other policies included a curriculum designed to improve academic achievement and a requirement to keep the school open every day for extended hours to make educational and recreational opportunities, as well as community and social services available in the school for all district residents. The last SAGE contracts expired at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Under AGR, schools continue to provide highly targeted programming (intended to reduce achievement gaps) not generally available in Wisconsin public schools and will be reimbursed by DPI as a payment for each low-income pupil attending an AGR classroom. AGR schools must implement one or more of the following in K-3 classrooms: 1. Maintain the 18:1 or 30:2 pupil-teacher ratios in place under SAGE; and/or 2. Provide one-to-one tutoring by a licensed teacher; and/or 3. Provide one or more licensed teachers to offer instructional coaching. Students are eligible for this program if they receive free or reduced-price lunch. Based on a 2023 notice from USDA, the free lunch income threshold is 130 percent FPL, while reduced price is 185 percent FPL. Categorical eligibility for FRL can also be extended through SNAP or TANF participation, as well as enrollment in Head Start (or other pre-K programs with same or stricter eligibility than Head Start) or status as homeless, a migrant, runaway, or foster child. This program falls under Purpose 1, assisting needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes.

Energy Services DOA administers the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), TANF, and state funds that assist needy families (those under 60 percent of the State Median Income adjusted for family size) with utility and energy bills, reconnection services, crisis intervention services (e.g. furnace replacements), and weatherization services. TANF and TANF MOE funds are used only for families with children. This program falls under Purpose 1, assisting needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes.

In-Home Safety Services DCF administers child welfare services in Milwaukee County through the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS). DMCPS contracts with local service agencies

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20 to provide in-home safety services to children and families. DMCPS’s goal is to keep families intact whenever possible by employing strategies and services that control for child safety, stabilize the family, and help the family develop links to community supports. Families receive individualized services tailored to their specific situation and needs as determined by an assessment social worker and an intensive in-home safety services manager. There are no financial eligibility requirements for a family to receive these services. Therefore, Wisconsin uses 100 percent TANF funds for this program (per federal requirements relating to services for TANF Purpose 4). In 2011 Wisconsin entered into a Child Welfare Program Improvement Plan in which it committed to expanding in-home safety services outside Milwaukee County to reduce the need for out-of-home placements. In 2021, the program served 38 counties and five Tribes. This program is included under Purpose 4. The goal of the program is to keep families intact whenever possible by employing strategies and services controlling for child safety, family stabilization, and helping the family develop links to community supports which fulfills the purpose of forming and maintaining families.

Kinship Care DCF provides allocations to counties and tribes to manage the Kinship Care program. The program provides monthly payments to relatives who care for minor relative children whom CPS has determined are unsafe residing with their biological parents. Starting in SFY 2025, the monthly rate increased from $300 to $375. Financial eligibility: participants meet the definition of “needy” and children removed from parental homes are considered to have no financial resources. This fulfills Purpose 1, as it assists needy families so children can stay in their homes. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 19.)

SSI Caretaker Supplement DHS, which administers the state’s SSI activities, also administers the SSI Caretaker Supplement (CTS) program. DHS provides an additional monthly payment to help with the support of SSI recipients’ dependent children. This fulfills Purpose 1, as it assists needy families so children can stay in their homes. The financial eligibility for it is only having $2,000 in countable income for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 19.)

Transform Milwaukee Jobs Program The Transform Milwaukee Jobs (TMJ) program serves low-income adults in Milwaukee County. It is a subsidized-employment program under which employers are reimbursed, or partially reimbursed, for wages and benefits for a maximum of 1,040 hours worked per participant. These subsidized job opportunities provide work experience, and employers are encouraged to hire participants into permanent jobs.

Eligible individuals must: 1. be at least age eighteen (18), or if over age twenty-four (24), must be a biological or adoptive parent or primary caregiver of a child under age eighteen (18); 2. not be participating in a W-2 paid placement; 3. have an annual household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty limit; 4. have been unemployed for at least four weeks; and 5. be ineligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

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21 The Transform Milwaukee Jobs program targets adults who are ex-offenders, ordered to pay child support, or involved with the Child Welfare system and in need of employment as part of a family reunification plan. The TMJ program also targets youth aged 18 through 24 who were in the foster care system at or after age 16 and need to develop job skills and work experience to become self-supporting adults living independently.

Transitional Jobs Program Under current state law, DCF may establish a program similar to the TMJ program outside of Milwaukee County if funding is available. The program outside Milwaukee County is named Transitional Jobs. The Transitional Jobs (TJ) program shares the same eligibility criteria and target populations as the TMJ program. The Department is required to give priority to areas of the state with relatively high rates of unemployment and childhood poverty, and to other areas with special needs determined by the Department. The TJ program is available in 33 counties (Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Florence, Forest, Iron, Jackson, Juneau, Kenosha, Langlade, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Pierce, Polk, Price, Racine, Rock, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Walworth, Washburn, and Winnebago) with a mix of rural and urban areas. The TJ/TMJ programs serve Purpose 1 – Per ACF guidance from the 2009 ARRA, federal TANF funds may be used, “to serve older youth in non-assistance programs, such as subsidized employment, under TANF statutory Purpose One.” In the 2009 ARRA guidance, ACF indicates that a state could reasonably set an age for a child including an individual under age 25. These programs also serve Purpose 2 – In addition to serving childless adults between the ages of 18 and 25, both programs provide employment services to parents of minor children, in particular parents who are ex-offenders, ordered to pay child support, or involved with the child welfare system and in need of employment as part of a reunification plan.

Wisconsin Community/Community-Building Milwaukee (CBM) Services Training Workshops DCF contracts with Wisconsin Community Services (WCS), a non-profit, which provides community-building facilitator-training workshops to organizations in the city of Milwaukee that work with needy individuals who are eligible for TANF programs; this program is directed towards staff who work with needy individuals who are TANF eligible.The CBM initiative aims to incorporate a powerful change process called Community Building into social service, criminal justice and faith-based community programs through Community Building Workshops. Community Building is an intense interpersonal group process and experience that helps to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families by promoting social and emotional learning and improves or builds on the core competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making skills in participants. To increase accessibility, WCS continues to offer a hybrid service delivery model that combines in-person and virtual formats. This approach ensures that TANF participants can engage in workshops and training in ways that best suit their needs, while still receiving high-quality development of interpersonal communication skills. Whether attending in person or online, participants benefit from flexible, impactful learning experiences that foster deeper connections and support positive outcomes for families. WCS will be working with local W-2 agencies to provide extensive (workforce) training with the focus on healing trauma, emotional health, and overall well-being. In addition, these skills will benefit the W-2 providers and the reduced programing efforts/needs that are

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22 provided to their participants. The workshops create an experience of safety, allowing participants to address unproductive attitudes and behaviors, and heal unresolved trauma and grief that may be driving current dysfunctional circumstances and compromised sustainable employment opportunities in our various communities and neighborhoods throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. This program fulfills Purpose 4, as the community organizations the recipients work for deliver services which assist in forming and maintaining two parent families by promoting social and emotional learning and improves or builds on the core competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making skills in participants.

Fostering Futures; Connections Count 2015 Wisconsin Act 55 authorized a program under which DCF contracted with local organizations to provide services, such as employing trusted community members who function as “community connectors” to connect vulnerable families with pre-school-aged children (0-5) with formal and informal community resources. 2017 Wisconsin Act 59 continued this funding and authorized an additional $200,000 in TANF funding to develop and implement a trauma-informed training curriculum that is more specific to Wisconsin's needs. 2019 Wisconsin Act 9 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 58 continued to fund this program. Wis. Stat. § 49.175(1)(n). This program fulfills Purpose 4, as the connections made assist in maintaining two parent families

Adult Literacy Grants and GED Services DCF is authorized to award grants to qualified applicants to provide literacy services and to provide General Education Development testing and preparation services to assist TANF- eligible individuals (needy parents or pregnant women) to obtain General Equivalency Degrees (GEDs). Grant recipients are required to coordinate with W-2 agencies to ensure adequate adult literacy services are available to W-2 participants. DCF has contracted with Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. through June 30, 2025. In the 2017-19 biennium, DCF combined the GED services funding with the Adult Literacy grant to Wisconsin Literacy, Inc., as the services are closely related. As part of the combined contract, this current TANF use is anticipated through June 30, 2025, with a potential two- year renewal. Wis. Stat. §49.175(1)(v). These programs fall under Purpose 2. Literacy and the lack of a high school diploma can affect an individual’s ability to gain and maintain employment. Providing services to improve literacy and make GED testing and preparation more accessible arguably fits the purpose of promoting job preparation and work by equipping participants with the literacy and GED skills needed to gain and maintain employment.

Grants for Civil Legal Services Current legislation provides funding for grants to the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, Inc. (WisTAF), a non-profit organization established by the Wisconsin Court System. The grants may not be used for litigation against the state and may only be used to support specific civil legal services (related to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or restraining orders for certain at-risk elderly and disabled individuals) for otherwise TANF-eligible individuals with incomes under 200 percent FPL. This funding is also contingent on DCF review and approval of a plan to be developed by WisTAF for the use of the funds.

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23

Jobs for America’s Graduates Students need more than a diploma to be successful, especially students facing challenges like poverty, trauma, and other situations that put them at risk of learning loss and disconnection. Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) improves social, academic, and employment skills of youth who are eligible to receive TANF in an in-school program that provides the support, connections, and training these students need to transition to adulthood. Eligibility is for youth from households with income at or below 200 percent FPL. Students who take part in this program have multiple barriers that traditionally prevent students from graduating high school on time. This program is designed to specifically address those barriers. Graduating participants in this program receive 12 months of follow- up services to ensure they are successfully transitioning into employment, post-secondary education, or the military. Foundations of JAG include: • Project Based Learning • Employer Engagement • Trauma Informed Care

Current TANF funding results in $1 million in total funding. Wis. Stat. § 49.175 (1)(LM). This program falls under Purpose 1, as it supports keeping TANF-eligible youth in school through graduation and provides supportive services to assist participants with transitioning to work, military, and/or post-secondary education.

Wisconsin’s Non-TANF Programs and Services In addition to Wisconsin’s other TANF programs and services, DCF supports a number of non- TANF programs and services, described below, that assist needy families and children.

Note: Some of these programs and services are identified as part of the state’s annual determination of TANF MOE while other programs and services may not be counted for TANF MOE based on specific requirements of TANF MOE. Programs and services supported by state funding which are not identified in other sections of this Plan are described below

Substance-Abuse Screening and Testing for Work Experience Programs 2015 Wisconsin Act 55 created a program under which NCPs eligible for services (including a TEMP placement) under W-2, all applicants for the TMJ or TJ programs (described in this plan), and all NCPs ordered by a court to participate in the Children First work-experience and job-training program (also described in this plan) are required to complete a controlled- substance abuse screening questionnaire. If, on the basis of answers to the questionnaire, the administering agency determines there is a reasonable suspicion that the individual is abusing a controlled substance, the individual must undergo a drug test. Individuals who test positive for a controlled substance without evidence of a valid prescription are required to participate in a treatment program in order to remain eligible for W-2 NCP services, TMJ, TJ, or Children First. DCF is required to pay or reimburse its contractors for testing and treatment costs that are not covered by Medical Assistance (MA) or insurance in effect covering the individual. 2017 Wisconsin Act 195 also created the “Hire Heroes” program, a transitional jobs program for veterans, administered by Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD), under which the screening, testing, and treatment requirements also apply to program applicants and participants. Wis. Stat. § 49.162

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24

Under provisions of 2017 Wisconsin Act 59, Wisconsin is expanding the required substance abuse screening, testing, and treatment as a condition of eligibility to the following W-2 paid placements: TEMP, CSJ, and W-2 T. Individuals applying for a W-2 paid placement as well as all adult members of the applicant's W-2 group whose income or assets are included in determining the individual's eligibility for W-2 will be subject to the requirements.

2017 Wisconsin Act 59 also replaces the current requirement for screening via a questionnaire with "controlled substance abuse screening," which would mean a questionnaire, a criminal background check, or any other controlled substance abuse screening method identified in administrative rule. DCF is required to promulgate administrative rule to implement the expansion to W-2 and screening changes.

DCF must use state funds to cover abuse screening, testing, and treatment costs that are not otherwise covered by medical assistance, private insurance, or another type of coverage. This program is included as a potential MOE expenditure to the extent that the expenditures are associated with eligible families as defined in this Plan.

Child Support Pass-Through DCF administers the Child Support program. Cooperation with the child support agency is a requirement for receipt of W-2 services. The family’s income from child support does not affect financial eligibility for W-2 or W-2 payments. 75 percent of payments for current support are passed-through to the families. 75 percent of payments for past-due support during W-2 participation time periods and 100 percent of payments for past-due support for time periods without W-2 participation are passed-through to the families. (See W-2 Manual Chapters 3 and 15.) Eligibility is 115 percent of FPL, as it is for W-2 participants. This falls under Purposes 1 and 2, as there is a connection between insulating low-income families from economic shocks by increasing income and a decreased risk of child welfare system involvement, which keeps children at home with their parent(s) and ending dependence on government benefit programs.

Children First DCF administers the Children First program, which provides employment and training services for non-custodial parents (NCPs) who are ordered by a court to participate in the program to promote their ability to pay child support and increase their involvement in the lives of their children. An NCP who meets all of the eligibility requirements for Children First and W-2 NCP services may receive both Children First and W-2 services at the same time. Some local agencies may also co-enroll Children First participants in the Food Share Employment and Training Program (FSET), which provides additional transportation and training resources. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 7.) This program falls under Purpose 2: as it provides employment and training services to noncustodial parents in order to promote their ability to pay child support and increase involvement in the lives of their children.

Case Management Follow-Up Plus (CMF+) 2017 Wisconsin Act 59 established authority for DCF to provide a worker supplement to W-2 participants that obtain unsubsidized employment and meet federal work participation requirements. These CMF+ supplemental payments are assistance provided as a separate state program with state funds to promote work. For that reason, receipt of a supplemental

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25 payment does not count toward a participant’s state or federal 60-month TANF time limit and the participant’s child support payments are not assigned to the state. The purpose of providing supplemental payments is to assist W-2 participants who become employed and stop receiving federally-funded assistance to transition into stable unsubsidized employment. Supplemental payments serve as an additional support for eligible families to retain employment and participate in services that may improve employment, and CMF+ allows W-2 participants who transitioned to the workforce to be included in Wisconsin’s work participation rate calculations.

As of June 23, 2018, W-2 participants who gained unsubsidized employment and met minimum work participation requirements are eligible to receive a monthly $50 supplemental payment in addition to case management follow-up services. Qualifying CMF placed W-2 participants may be eligible for the worker supplement, known as CMF+. CMF participants are W-2 participants who obtain employment while receiving W-2 services and assistance. The CMF placement makes them eligible to receive ongoing case management services for up to 12 months. CMF+ includes the same ongoing case management services as CMF, plus the $50 supplemental payment for up to 12 months as long as participants maintain employment that continues to meet work participation requirements and meet W-2 program eligibility requirements. This is a Separate State Program. This program falls under TANF Purposes 1 and 2.

Domestic Violence Services DCF administers state and federal funds to provide grants for domestic violence services in each county and tribal area in Wisconsin. The goals of the grant program are to: 1) provide crisis, safety, and support services for victims of domestic abuse and their children; 2) educate the community about issues related to domestic abuse; and 3) promote a coordinated community response to domestic abuse. DCF provides funding to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin to provide training and technical assistance to domestic abuse programs and other systems. Wisconsin claims for MOE only the portion of the state-funded expenditures that are reasonably allocable to eligible families defined as at or below 300 percent of the FPL. This falls under Purpose 1, assisting needy families so children can be cared for in their homes. Providing crisis, safety, and support services to domestic violence victims improves safety in the home, increasing chances that children can remain safely in their own homes.

Burial Services DHS administers the Wisconsin Funeral and Cemetery Aids Program (WFCAP) in Wisconsin, an assistance program to service providers who offer funeral, cremation, and cemetery services to certain decedents whose services are not fully compensated by the decedent’s estate, family, or other resources. DHS reimburses funeral and/or cemetery expenses of a person who was eligible for TANF or MA services. DHS pays funeral and cemetery expenses for eligible families with state funding, which Wisconsin reports as an MOE expenditure. This service is for individuals receiving W-2 benefits and/or services, so financial eligibility is 115 percent of FPL. This falls under Purpose 1. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 19.)

Milwaukee County Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services DHS contracts for the provision of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) services to serve the TANF population in Milwaukee County at or below 200 percent of the FPL. Special target

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26 populations include: pregnant women; specialized minority treatment agencies including tribal agencies; intravenous drug users; correctional clients; and child welfare related service populations. DHS awarded grants for providing new or expanded community-based AODA treatment programs that meet the special needs of TANF eligible individuals based on the program’s ability to emphasize parent education, vocational and housing assistance, and coordination with other community programs and with treatment under intensive care. This program falls under Purposes 1 and 2. Substance abuse issues can pose significant barriers to work and can result in children being placed in out-of-home care. By providing services to address underlying substance abuse issues, the program mitigates unsafe circumstances caused by substance abuse that can lead to a child’s removal from the home. In addition, these services mitigate the obstacle substance abuse can pose to gaining and maintaining employment, consistent with Purpose 2.

Home-Visiting Programs DCF, in collaboration with DHS, administers comprehensive home-visiting programs to expand the in-home services to needy families. These services for families who are at-risk focus on: improving birth outcomes; supporting maternal and child health; enhancing family functioning; promoting safety and development; and preventing child abuse and neglect. This program falls under Purpose 4, encouraging the formation and maintenance of two- parent families

(b) Require a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program to engage in work (defined by the State) once the State determines that the parent or caretaker is ready to engage in work, or once the parent or caretaker has received 24 months of assistance, whichever is earlier, consistent with the child care exception at 407(e)(2) (section 402(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act).

W-2’s goal is to connect parents with appropriate work or work training as soon as possible. A W-2 participant is placed in the highest possible employment or work-training level according to his or her ability. As participants gain work experience and skills, they are expected to move up to the next appropriate level of work or training at the earliest opportunity. Unsubsidized employment is the goal for most W-2 participants, and applicants may be required to search for unsubsidized employment while their applications are pending. The EP includes the specific program activities for the W-2 participant to achieve employment. These program activities focus on the participant’s employment, family, and personal needs identified in assessments and screenings. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 6, W-2 Manual Appendix on Activity Codes, and information on the Employability Plan within section above.)

Ongoing Case Management and Supportive Services The W-2 FEP provides ongoing case management for the W-2 participant, including periodic reassessment of the current placement based on circumstances at the time. The FEP works with the W-2 participant to assist in addressing family and work-related needs before situations result in a family crisis, nonparticipation in program activities, and/or loss of employment. The FEP provides information necessary to connect applicants/participants with supportive services available within the agency as well as other resources in the community. Supportive services may include housing, child care, transportation, family health care, economic supports, household budgeting, employment support needs such as

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27 work connection and retention services, and other needs identified by the participant that impede the participant’s ability to find and retain a job. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 7.)

W-2 Employment positions (Work Training or Subsidized Employment placements) The W-2 FEP may offer the W-2 applicant a work training placement (TEMP, CSJ or W-2 T), if the applicant’s good-faith attempts to obtain employment have been unsuccessful, or if the W-2 agency determines that the applicant is not prepared for unsubsidized employment. While participating in a work training placement, the W-2 participant may be required to continue appropriate ongoing employment search with the assistance of the W-2 agency. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 7.)

W-2 Education and Training W-2 emphasizes that education and training are a pathway to meaningful employment, rather than an alternative to employment. Combining work or work training activities with short-term education and training at a minimum prepares participants for entry-level employment. W-2 agencies may coordinate with the Technical College system or other educational programs to provide a variety of Adult Basic Education opportunities including literacy skills and remedial math, as well as completing a high school diploma or equivalency or certified (or diploma/degree) training program consistent with the participant’s career assessment results. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 8.)

Required Hours of Participation W-2 participants are required to participate in up to 40 hours of assigned activities per week. The number of assigned hours depends on the participant’s circumstances. For CSJ participants, within the up to 40 hours per week of assigned activities, up to 10 hours per week may be in education and training activities. For W-2 T participants, within the up to 40 hours per week of assigned activities, up to 12 hours per week may be in education and training activities. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 7).

Performance Outcomes The performance outcomes, stated in the W-2 Contracts for the period beginning on January 1, 2013, reinforce that the focus of W-2 agencies is engage participants in work, educational attainment, and vocational training activities; assist participants in obtaining employment with opportunities for wage increases; and support participants in maintaining long-term employment.

Work Verification Plan Wisconsin’s TANF Work Verification Plan addresses countable work activities, hours engaged in work, procedures for identifying work-eligible individuals, etc.

Learnfare Case Management Services Learnfare, a component of the W-2 program, requires school-age children of W-2 participants to enroll in and attend school. Learnfare also requires minor parents, habitual truants, dropouts, and returning dropouts to participate in case management. 2015 Wisconsin Act 55 extended the requirement to participate in case management to children whose parents were assigned to a CSJ, W-2 T, or TEMP placement but were unable to participate in required activities due to the child’s school-related problems. 2017 Wisconsin Act 59 revised the Learnfare statute to require children to attend school regularly and not be

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28 a habitual truant. A habitual truant is defined as a student absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five or more days on which school is held during a semester. Learnfare case management focuses on services to maintain school enrollment, improve school attendance, and prepare children for a career. A family’s monthly W-2 payment could be sanctioned if a child is not enrolled in school or is a habitual truant, refuses to cooperate with Learnfare case management, has no good cause granted, and has not requested a Fact Finding Review. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 16.)

Employment Transportation Services Wisconsin has made it a priority to work with job seekers, employers, and local service providers to address transportation needs for low income families. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 19.)

W-2 Two-Parent Household Participation W-2 philosophy strongly emphasizes the responsibility both parents have to care for and support their children. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 14.)

(i) Address the procedures that the State uses to determine if the parent has a demonstrated inability to obtain needed child care;

The W-2 Manual discusses the inability to find needed child care in Chapter 11.3.3.1.2. Demonstrating an Inability to Obtain Child Care An inability to obtain child care must be based on the following reasons: 1. Formal child care is not available within a reasonable distance from the parent’s home or work site. Formal child care is considered available if there is at least one licensed or certified child care facility with space available for the child. The certified or licensed child care facility, including a W-2 agency with certified or licensed on-site child care, must not be considered available if there is documentation that the facility would be harmful to the health or safety of the child. A reasonable distance is determined on a case-by-case basis between the participant and the worker. 2. Informal child care by a relative or under other arrangements is unavailable or unsuitable. Informal child care is defined as an arrangement in which the child care provider is neither licensed nor certified. Informal child care arrangements may be used by any W-2 participant; however, a participant cannot be required to use informal child care. (See Child Care Policy Manual, Chapter 1)

Child Care Type Reason Formal Child Care: • Child care is not available in a reasonable distance*.

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29 Provided by a certified or licensed child care facility. • Child care facilities in the area do not have space available for the child. • Certified or licensed child care facilities, including a W-2 agency with certified or licensed on-site child care, must not be considered available if there is documentation that the facility would be harmful to the health or safety of the child. Informal Child Care: An arrangement where the child care provider is not licensed or certified. • Child care by a relative or under other arrangements is unavailable or unsuitable. Any W-2 participant can use informal child care, but a participant cannot be required to use informal child care. (See Child Care Policy Manual, Chapter 1) The FEP will work with the participant to determine what a reasonable distance is on a case- by-case level. The FEP must document the decision that is made and reason(s) in PIN comments. If the participant fails to demonstrate an inability to obtain child care, he or she may face payment reductions for nonparticipation. An inability to obtain appropriate child care may be indicative of a shortage of child care providers in the community (including sick child care, evening and weekend care, culturally competent child care, and care for disabled children) and W-2 agency management should be alerted to the problem. Chapter 11.3.3.1 Child Care Availability A single parent placed in a W-2 Employment Position cannot be sanctioned for nonparticipation in any W-2 activities during a period of time when they are unable to obtain child care for a child under the age of 13. If child care is only available to the participant during specific hours of the day or days of the week, the W-2 agency must make every effort to assign work activities during those hours. A participant who needs to secure child care arrangements in order to participate in W-2 activities should be assigned the task of securing child care as part of their participation requirements on their Employability Plan (EP). If the participant has demonstrated an inability to obtain child care, the worker must grant good cause for all nonparticipation, until: 1. Child care is obtained; or 2. The participant no longer demonstrates an inability to obtain child care. Until child care is obtained (whether good cause is being granted or not): 1. The CC activity must remain assigned on the EP;

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30 2. The worker must continue regular check-ins; and 3. The participant must continue to pursue any possible available child care leads. Chapter 11.3.3.1.1 Determining Availability of Child Care In order to determine if child care is available, a W-2 worker must discuss child care with each participant at the time of the initial assessment and during the review of the W-2 Participation Agreement. To help the participant locate a child care provider, a W-2 worker must: 1. Explain to the participant their responsibility to obtain any needed child care for the hours of participation in W-2. 2. Determine if informal child care, or formal child care within a reasonable distance from the participant’s home, is available. Informal child care arrangements may be discussed, but a participant cannot be required to use an informal child care arrangement. If another parent is in the home, able, and available to care for the child, child care is not needed. 3. Provide information to the applicant or participant about eligibility for W-2 child care assistance and the requirement for the provider to, at a minimum, be provisionally certified to qualify for assistance. (See Child Care Policy Manual) 4. If the participant does not currently have child care available, refer the individual to the local Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCRR), which is available to help all parents locate safe and affordable child care throughout the state, and other child care resources in the community. If the referrals do not result in the participant locating child care, the W-2 agency may require the individual to demonstrate an inability to obtain child care. (See 11.3.3.1.2) 5. If available, offer the use of the W-2 agency on-site child care to the parent until an ongoing child care arrangement is found. A W-2 on-site child care provider must be regulated in order for the parent to leave the premises. 6. Discuss the availability of backup child care arrangements to help the participant plan ahead for emergency situations when their regular provider is unable to care for the child(ren) or when their child is sick and cannot attend their regular child care program.

(ii) Include definitions of the terms “appropriate child care,” “reasonable distance,” “unsuitability of informal care,” and “affordable child care arrangements”.

Appropriate child care: This is formal child care which is a reasonable distance from the parent’s home or work site, which is provided by a certified or licensed child care facility, and has space for a child, and is affordable. The certified or licensed child care facility, including a W-2 agency with certified or licensed on-site child care, must not be considered available if there is documentation that the facility would be harmful to the health or safety of the child. Appropriate child care can also be informal child care where the child care provider is not licensed or certified, but a participant cannot be required to use informal child care.

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31 Reasonable distance: The FEP will work with the participant to determine what a reasonable distance is on a case-by-case level. The FEP must document the decision that is made and reason(s) in PIN comments.

Unsuitability of informal care: If a participant is using Wisconsin Shares, this is any informal care since parents have to use certified or licensed providers to receive the subsidy. However, W-2 allows informal child care, for unregulated providers, they may operate with three children or fewer, but not able to access WI Shares.

Affordable child care arrangements: The federal Office of Child Care (OCC) defines affordable child care as seven percent of a family’s income.

(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.

Intensive Case Management To ensure that parents eligible for W-2 are engaged in work activities, the W-2 program provides intensive case management and supportive services, such as child care, transportation, housing, and other services that address the parent’s family and work-related needs.

Participation in Work Activities The W-2 program encourages parents to engage in work activities by providing strengths-based and family-centered services that are consistent with the parents’ interests and goals. Parents may be assigned to participate in work activities as a condition of receiving assistance payments. W-2 agencies include parents in the decision-making process to identify appropriate work activities. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 1.) W-2 agencies also encourage parents to engage in work activities by tracking the eligible parents’ time limits and discussing the impact of time limits with applicants and eligible parents. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 2.)

W-2 agencies meet with each eligible parent to review assigned activities and the parent’s progress toward meeting the established goals. W-2 agencies also complete an EP review with each eligible parent as often as necessary based on the eligible parent’s circumstances. The W- 2 agencies consider the parent’s progress in assigned activities in the agencies’ future decisions regarding placement and activity assignment. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 6.)

W-2 agencies verify and track a parent’s attendance in assigned activities based on Wisconsin’s TANF Work Verification Plan. (See W-2 Manual Appendix on TANF Work Participation Requirements.) See Wisconsin’s TANF Work Verification Plan at: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/w2/tanf-state-plans/tanf-work-verification-plan-10-1-08.pdf

In accordance with work requirements under 42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(B)(iv) and consistent with the exception provided in section 607(e)(2), Wisconsin requires W-2 participants not exempt from

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32 work requirements due to temporary incapacitation to engage in work activities beginning the first month of assistance. Section VII(b) above addresses Wisconsin’s requirements for a parent or caretaker receiving assistance under the program to engage in work.

The W-2 program utilizes workforce development activities to address employment and training services for parents in the following ways:

Career Services: In order to connect parents to relevant and tailored career pathways that will help them receive the training and credentials needed to obtain jobs with family-sustaining wages, all W-2 applicants and participants complete a career assessment during the informal assessment process as well as throughout ongoing case management. There is a wide array of career assessments tools that W-2 agencies and job seekers use to obtain greater awareness about how a participant’s work styles, skills, and interests can be used to define a career path, assign meaningful activities, highlight strengths, identify training needs, and match the participant to fulfilling work activities and employment opportunities. While W-2 agencies are able to choose the career assessment tools that they feel best measure work styles, skills, and interests, some agencies choose to use the Department of Workforce Development’s Career Exploration online tool.

If an applicant is new to W-2 or is re-applying and does not have career assessment results documented, an assessment must be scheduled within 30 days of application and completed within 30 days of placement. If an applicant has completed a career assessment that identifies work styles, skills, and interests, and wants to remain on the career path indicated by that assessment, or is already working in a field available in the local labor market, another career assessment does not need to be completed.

Based on the results of the career assessment and career planning with a Financial and Employment Planner, W-2 participants’ Employability Plans (EP) shall include both long- term and short-term career goals with action steps, objectives, and the appropriate combination of services and training needed to achieve each goal.

Training Services: W-2 participants are assigned to education and training activities that will prepare them for careers available in local job markets.

Education and vocational assessment tools are used in combination with career assessment tools to identify the education and training needed to help individuals obtain employment that fits their work styles, skills, and interests. Results from these assessments are used in tandem to better inform the development of effective EPs and assignment of meaningful work and education and training activities, including adult basic education, technical college education, and job skills training, including customized job skills training.

Educational needs assessment tools, like the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), test skills and aptitudes in reading, language, math computation, and applied math in order to identify current math and reading comprehension levels and any literacy or numeracy deficiencies. W-2 agencies use the educational needs assessment results to provide participants with appropriate education activities including, but not limited to, a course of study meeting the standards established under Wis. Stat. 115.29(4) for the granting of a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation; English as a Second

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33 Language, and adult basic education courses. Agencies also use the educational needs assessment results to match eligible adults to appropriate technical college courses and other educational courses that provide an occupational skill. The agencies are required to work with technical colleges to offer certified (or diploma/degree) training programs. Regardless, the training courses must be tied directly to occupations for which there are job openings in the local labor market. Contractors also use the educational needs assessment results to match eligible adults to appropriate job skills training, including customized skills training.

Vocational assessment tools help individuals living with a disability establish realistic vocational goals and a plan to achieve them. The vocational evaluation process is designed to assess the unique strengths, resources, and experiences of an individual in order to match that person’s abilities and preferences to appropriate work placements, jobs, or training programs. The process is interactive; the intent is for staff to learn about the participant and the participant to learn about themselves.

In W-2, agencies use education and vocational assessments to match participants to job skills (or vocational) training programs. These programs must lead to one of the six listed credits, credentials, certificates, or degrees listed below.

1. Credits or a credential earned from a Wisconsin-based eligible training provider, as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide List of Eligible Training Programs and Providers (including Continuing Education Credits); 2. A license, recognized by the State or Federal Government; 3. A certificate of apprenticeship completion; 4. A certificate of completion of a program approved by the Office of Skills Development through a Fast Forward or Blueprint for Prosperity grant; (For more information about Fast Forward and Blueprint for Prosperity grants, please visit www.wisconsinfastforward.com/.) 5. Completion of a customized training established with an employer(s) with the written understanding that the employer(s) will make a good faith effort to hire the participant upon successful completion of the training; or 6. A bachelor’s or associate degree.

Agencies are required to have available a wide range of jobs skills training programs, including customized job skills training programs. The customized job skills training programs include employer participation in the design and implementation of the training. Customized job skills training programs are designed using industry-approved training requirements and in alignment with known career pathways in the local labor market. When necessary, agencies match eligible parents to bridge programs so that they can attain the basic skills they need to enter job skills training programs. Regardless, agencies must ensure that parents who complete training have acquired marketable job-specific skills.

Business Services: W-2 agencies actively help applicants and eligible parents find employment in the local labor market. In order to effectively do this, agencies have business service units within their agencies, and employ job developers, often referred to as Account Executives, Business Services Managers, Employer Account Representatives, etc.

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34 Most W-2 agencies are co-located at the local Job Center. Job Centers have Business Services Teams (BST) that coordinate activities and resources with Job Center partners to provide comprehensive high quality, customer centered services to employers. Business Services Teams include Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act core program representatives as well as other combined state plan partners. Where the W-2 agency is co-located in the Job Center the business service unit is part of the Job Center’s BST.

In W-2, job development is the process of creating job opportunities for W-2 participants by researching, identifying and soliciting commitments from possible sources of employment. Job developers have a thorough knowledge of local labor market information, including high-growth industries and career paths that exist within those industries. They coordinate with members of the BST to identify employers within local area industry that are best prepared to work with the W-2 population. They understand local industry trends and occupations and have capacity to engage with employers to assist in meeting their recruitment needs. Finally, they identify the skill-sets local industries need and apply related skill development to work experience and job skills training programs.

W-2 agencies provide the following work activities to W-2 participants: • Individualized job readiness services including o Career and vocational assessments; o Career exploration and planning; o Jobs readiness assessments; o Job readiness instruction, including soft skill development; o Interviewing skills and mock interviews; o Job coaching; o Resume review and updating; and o Job search instruction and assistance, including applying for jobs online. • Additional work activities include: o Work experience; o On-the-job training; o Job coaching; o Employment retention services, and o Advancement services.

W-2 agency staff also provide the following services: • Research the local labor market and contact employers to create job opportunities that are appropriate for local W-2 applicants or eligible parents; • Match individual applicants or eligible parents to jobs in the area; • Arrange job interviews and provide post interview follow up with both the parent and the local employers; • Provide access to clothing for interviews; • Identify and develop work experience sites to better prepare those participants who have some work skills but are not yet prepared to succeed in unsubsidized employment; • Organize job fairs; and • Work with W-2 agencies’ Community Steering Committees as well as general business and sector-specific associations and local workforce development boards

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35 to avoid duplication of workforce services, improve employer access to skilled workers, exchange best practices, and collaborate on funding opportunities.

In addition to the work activities and services listed above, W-2 participants also benefit from the services provided to employers thought the BSTs.

Penalties/Payment Reductions CSJ and W-2 T participants must participate in all assigned work training activities or education and training activities outlined in the EP. Payments for CSJ and W-2 T participants who fail to participate in assigned activities are reduced for hours missed without good cause. To encourage parents to engage in work activities, the W-2 program requires parents to notify the W-2 agency of the reason for the parent missing any assigned W-2 activity. The W-2 agency determines if a parent’s reason for missing an assigned activity meets a W-2 good cause reason based on good cause policy. If the parent misses an assigned activity without good cause, the W-2 agency applies an hourly payment reduction for each instance. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 11.)

Refusal to Participate A W-2 participant assigned to a W-2 employment position (CSJ, W-2 T, or TEMP position) may become ineligible for any facet of W-2 for three (3) months if, without good cause as determined by the Department, the W-2 participant fails to appear for an interview with a prospective employer (including a sponsor of work experience or subsidized employment) or for an assigned work activity, voluntarily leaves employment or training activities or a work- experience site without good cause, is discharged from employment or training or a work- experience site for cause, or demonstrates through other behaviors or actions defined by the Department through administrative rule that he or she refuses to participate. Additionally, a W-2 participant may become ineligible if residing with the other parent of a child and receiving child care assistance, if the other parent is neither disabled nor caring for a severely disabled child and the other parent refuses to work in subsidized or unsubsidized employment or other work- experience, job-training, or community-service activities prescribed by the Department.

Intentional Program Violations The penalties for intentional program violations (IPVs) help ensure parents provide accurate information about their work activities to W-2 agencies.

Wis. Stat. § 49.001(3m) defines an intentional program violation as: “… intentionally making a false or misleading statement, intentionally misrepresenting or withholding facts, or intentionally committing any act that constitutes a violation of state or federal law for the purpose of using, presenting, transferring, acquiring, receiving, possessing, or trafficking benefits under this chapter.”

An individual who applies for or receives assistance payments under W-2, Wisconsin Shares Child Care, EA, and/or JALs and commits an intentional program violation for the purpose of establishing eligibility, maintaining eligibility, or increasing assistance payments, will be denied assistance as follows: • For six months for the first intentional program violation; • For one year for the second intentional program violation; and • Permanently for the third intentional program violation.

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36

Analysis of Workforce Development Activities Wisconsin has a robust structure of locally-centered workforce services offered to parents and caretakers with children who receive public assistance. The 11 regionally-specific workforce development boards act as facilitators of relationships between local elected officials, and economic, education and workforce partners which expands and targets workforce opportunities to parents and caretakers receiving assistance. These services are delivered through one-stop hubs, such as the American Job Centers, many of which offer co-located services from both the WIOA program and Wisconsin Works and related programs.

At these one-stop delivery offices, job seekers can find resources such as supportive services, and career or training services. Each local Workforce Development Board, in consultation with job center partners and other community service providers, coordinates supportive service delivery in the local area. Examples of supportive services may include, but are not limited to, referrals to community programs/services, referrals to state and federal public assistance programs, assistance in accessing childcare, transportation, housing, and educational testing, needs-related payments, reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, tools and equipment, and uniforms and other work attire.

Due to the local nature of the Workforce Development Boards, their partnership with WIOA- funded services, and the delivery model of one-stop co-located WIOA and TANF-funded services, there is a nimble response to the local job market and WIOA workers and/or Wisconsin Works agency staff can match program participants to job training or educational needs easily. Below you will see examples of WIOA and Wisconsin Works program participants’ success as demonstrations of how these services work in concert to support job seekers in Wisconsin.

Participant Examples Ebonie, a mother experiencing trauma after her children’s father was shot and killed, came to Wisconsin Works for help. Her team connected her to services to help her find a home, transportation, clothing, and food. After her family’s immediate needs were met, she used the training and education support offered by the co-located WIOA and TANF service provider, Forward Service Corporation, to earn her driver’s license and be placed in a job as a caregiver, which she has held for two years. (Name and story shared with permission https://fsc- corp.org/going-beyond-survival/ .)

A father and former salon owner, Gewelesis, wanted to become an electrician but getting the money to pay for training was a challenge. He sought out the Wisconsin Works and WIOA programs to support his education, enrolling in the 1-year Electrical Diploma Program at Fox Valley Technical College. He’s currently completing the program and is excited to start a new career. (Name and story shared with permission https://fsc-corp.org/education-jolts-gewelesis- dream/ .) Erin, a Wisconsin Works participant with five children experiencing domestic abuse, used the Wisconsin Works program and supportive services of the W-2 agency’s domestic violence counselors to begin her journey to independence. Her case manager helped Erin to find childcare, supported by state aid, and build skills through a job at Meals on Wheels; building on

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37 the skills from this job will help her create a stable environment for their children. (Name and story shared with permission https://fsc-corp.org/erin-keeps-her-family-safe/ .)

Savannah, a parent of a young child, decided to get her GED and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She worked with a WIOA Career Planner to take GED courses and other courses like help with studying, budgeting, transportation to school, and connecting her to employers with openings. Savannah completed her GED and CNA courses, and is on a nursing pathway at a local technical college. (Name and story shared with permission https://fsc-corp.org/nursing- towards-a-future/ .)

(d) Take such reasonable steps as the State deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government(section 402(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Social Security Act).

Existing Wisconsin statutes and W-2 policy restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance under the program. W-2 policy restrictions on the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families focus on when disclosure is necessary for administration of the W-2 program or law enforcement purposes. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 4.)

In addition, DCF restricts access to data stored in CARES, Wisconsin’s eligibility determination and case management system, by requiring state authorized access to the system depending upon each user’s job responsibilities. For more information, contact DCF Security regarding DCF’s Information Technology Security Management Policy.

(e) Prevention and Reduction of Out-of-wedlock and Adolescent Pregnancies Establish goals and take action to prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies (section 402(a)(1)(A)(iv) of the Social Security Act).

The W-2 program and the programs referenced in this section include TANF-funded programs and services that have established goals and take actions to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on adolescent pregnancy prevention, adolescent parent self-sufficiency, adolescent pregnancy counseling, and adolescent parenting skills. In addition, Wisconsin provides funding for other services, which coordinate with the TANF services, to reduce unintended pregnancies.

W-2 Program’s Prevention and Reduction of Out-of-wedlock and Unintended Pregnancies Although minor parents living outside of an adult-supervised living arrangement are not eligible to receive a W-2 payment, W-2 agencies are required to provide case management services to minor parents (both male and female parents), regardless of their income, assets, or living arrangement. These case management services are required to include discussions of family planning, career planning, and parenting skills.

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38 In addition, the following elements of the design of the W-2 program implements Wisconsin’s goals to prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies in the population served by W-2: 1. Flat grants: W-2 provides payments based on participation, not family size. 2. Family cap: W-2 does not treat parents who have additional children while on assistance differently for W-2 time limits. Parents caring for a child who is younger than eight weeks old may be eligible to receive a monthly payment for their living expenses that does not include a work requirement. However, parents receiving such payments are exempt from the state lifetime limit only if the child is born less than ten months after the individual was first determined eligible for W-2 or if the child was the result of sexual assault or incest. 3. Case management: W-2 FEPs may counsel participants to delay subsequent births or provide referrals to family planning services. FEPs assist participants in making choices about their career and family, make appropriate referrals based on the family’s needs, and encourage the use of resources available to families. Each W-2 agency maintains a list of family-planning referral agencies and health care providers which is available to all customers.

Boys and Girls Club

DCF provides grants to Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC) to operate two programs in Wisconsin. TANF funds from DCF are used to fund the Wisconsin After 3 program, and the BE GREAT: Graduate program. Funds are provided to the Boys and Girls Club of Fox Valley (BGCFV), who acts as the fiscal agent, and distributes funding to other clubs providing programs throughout the state.

Wisconsin After 3 Boys and Girls Club provides a program to support afterschool programming focused on improving fluency in reading and math and career preparation for low-income youth. Services provided through this program are the Stride Online Learning Academy, NBA Math Hoops, Power Hour/Homework Help, and Career Launch. These services focus on study habits, intensive tutoring in math and English, and exposure to career options and role models.

BE GREAT: Graduate BGC provides the BE GREAT: Graduate afterschool program focused on increasing academic achievement, school engagement, and college and career readiness among low-income youth identified as being at risk of dropping out of high school.

BE GREAT: Graduate follows the evidence-based Check and Connect program model, which links each student with a Graduation Coach to provide weekly interactions with a positive adult and includes intentional efforts to establish a connection between each student’s school, parents, and BGC.

Brighter Futures Under the administration of DCF, the Brighter Futures program awarded grants to private nonprofit and public agencies in Milwaukee County, and county social services agencies in other counties, and tribes. These grants, which fund programs for the prevention of non-marital pregnancy, youth violence, substance use and abuse, and child abuse and neglect, and the promotion of self-sufficiency for pregnant adolescents and adolescents who are parents.

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39 Brighter Futures supports positive youth development and prevention programs in high-risk communities and high-poverty neighborhoods. Programs serve infants, children, youth, and families, and focus on increasing adolescent functioning by encouraging high school graduation, vocational preparedness, improved social and other interpersonal skills, and responsible decision-making. The agencies establish their goals and performance metrics based on the evidence-based curriculum and strategies utilized in the program.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with DPI and DCF, have long standing collaborations to promote healthy adolescent development and provide access to confidential contraceptive and related reproductive health information and services. The 2023- 2027 Wisconsin State Health Improvement Plan takes an upstream approach in addressing reproductive and sexual health for all Wisconsinites, including youth. Related priority areas in the plan include supportive systems of care, physical and mental safety, person and community centered health care, and mental and emotional health and well-being. In addition to these priority areas, DHS remains committed to promoting and improving sexual health and reproductive justice across the life span and reducing disparities in reproductive and sexual health outcomes including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended teen pregnancies. Wisconsin measures and tracks these outcomes through HIV and STI surveillance systems, birth rate data for teens ages 15-19, and through Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data.

The Family Health Section, in the Bureau of Community Health Promotion within the Division of Public Health at DHS manages several programs that contribute to promoting positive youth development, reducing STIs, and reducing unintended teen pregnancies. These programs include but are not limited to the Reproductive Health and Family Planning Program, the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) Program, and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program. The latter three programs include education interventions directed at preventing and reducing the incidence of unintended teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among youth.

The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) implements educational programming for youth ages 10-19 on both abstinence and contraception for preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases using a Positive Youth Development framework. Partners implement evidence-based or evidence-informed programs that have been shown to effect changes in behavior. The program serves middle school and high school-aged youth, specifically those who are homeless, in foster care, live in rural areas or in geographic areas with high teen birth rates, or come from racial or ethnic minority groups. Programming includes positive adolescent development, healthy relationships, and healthy life skills, including learning about health care rights and responsibilities.

The Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) program implements evidence-based education that teaches youth the benefits of refraining from sexual activity and making informed decisions about their health. The program helps youth navigate life decisions by teaching personal responsibility, self-regulation, goal setting, emotional regulation, building empathy, healthy decision-making, a focus on the future, and the prevention of youth risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use. SRAE uses a Positive Youth Development framework and collaborates with partners to implement the Teen Outreach Program (TOP), which is designed to build educational success, life and leadership skills, and healthy behaviors and relationships.

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40

The Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program supports the replication of evidence-based programs for adolescents ages 10-24 and their caregivers. Programming focuses on preventing unintended teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and promoting positive youth development. The program supports meaningful engagement of youth, parents/caregivers, and the community in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the project. It also supports active collaboration with a network of partners to increase awareness of and access to adolescent-friendly health services. The Teen Pregnancy Prevention program is implemented in school settings, juvenile justice systems, out of home care, community-based organizations, and clinics.

Wisconsin Family Planning Only Services is a Medicaid-funded program administered by DHS for persons of childbearing or reproductive age who:

1. Have income that does not exceed 306 percent of the FPL; and 2. Are not enrolled in full benefit coverage through Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin’s health care program for low-income individuals and families. 3. Family Planning Only Services provides selected family-planning services, including contraceptive services and supplies, routine preventative primary services that are family-planning related, tests for abnormal cervical cells (Pap tests), and tests and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and voluntary sterilizations for women and men 21 years old or older.

(f) Prevention of Statutory Rape and Other Sexual Assault Conduct a program, designed to reach State and local law enforcement officials, the education system, and relevant counseling services, that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.

DCF, DPI, and DHS in partnership with the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), work cooperatively to prevent statutory rape, other sexual assault, and adolescent pregnancies. These education and training services, in addition to other services, are designed to reach various professions, including state and local law enforcement officials, the education system, and relevant counseling services ranging from prevention to enforcement based on the needs identified by Wisconsin’s communities.

Over the years Wisconsin’s adolescent sexual assault prevention and adolescent pregnancy prevention services have evolved to a strengths-based focus on promoting well-being, healthy relationships, sexual health, and self-esteem. The scope for these services includes both males and females.

An example of services implemented across Wisconsin Departments includes DPI’s collaboration with DHS and DOJ to create and post an electronic publication describing the circumstances under which educators are required to report sexual activity among adolescents as possible child abuse. A second example is DCF’s collaboration with DOJ and DHS to update W-2 program policy to comply with state statutes that require use of the legal substitute

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41 address assigned to individuals enrolled in the state’s address confidentiality program. This program, known as Safe at Home, aims to protect individuals who fear for their safety such as victims of sexual assault.

Comprehensive services across professions include implementation of the Wisconsin Statutes requirement that Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies refer all cases of suspected or threatened child sexual abuse to law enforcement. Local law enforcement agencies and CPS coordinate the planning and execution of the investigation of the report. Any law enforcement agency that determines criminal action is necessary refers the case to the District Attorney for criminal prosecution. The CPS Access and Initial Assessment Standards describe the statutory requirements and practice guidelines for CPS agencies to enhance collaboration with law enforcement agencies in response to reports of sexual abuse, as well as reports of other forms of child maltreatment. (See the DCF CPS Access and Initial Assessment Standards at: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/policy/pdf/access-ia-standards.pdf

(g) Prevention of Access to Assistance in Electronic Fund Transactions Implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 408(a)(12), including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance (section 402(a)(1)(A)(vii) of the Social Security Act).

Wisconsin issues payments via paper check or via Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit into participants’ bank accounts). In order to prevent access of TANF-funded assistance under any electronic funds transfer in prohibited locations, Wisconsin has: 1) published an operations memo informing its W-2 Agencies of prohibited locations and transactions; 2) included a flyer, available in English, Spanish, or Hmong, as part of the application and eligibility-review processes to ensure that the FEP discusses the information with participants; and 3) mailed a notice October 2014 to all then-current W-2 participants (who would not have received the brochure at intake) informing them of the prohibited locations for using their cash assistance. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 1.)

(h) Access to Assistance with No or Minimal Fees/Charge Ensure that recipients of assistance provided under the State program funded under this part have the ability to use or withdraw assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges, and are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance, and that such information is made publicly available (section 402(a)(1)(A)(viii) of the Social Security Act).

As stated in (g) above, Wisconsin issues payments via paper check or via Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit into participants’ bank accounts). W-2 Policy requires the FEP to discuss the possible fees that may be associated with Electronic Funds Transfer with the participant before the participant signs the Electronic Funds Transfer form, which is required to

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42 provide bank routing information. By signing the Electronic Funds Transfer form, participants also acknowledge that their W-2 worker talked to them about the possible monthly fees, customer service fees, inactivity fees, and paper statement fees. If a participant is chronically overdrawn or owes fees associated with their negative account balance, the participant may choose to receive their payment via paper check.

There are banks in Wisconsin which charge no fees for basic checking services: Abby Bank, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Associated Bank, and Ally Bank.(See W-2 Manual Chapter 10.)

(i) Residence Indicate whether the State intends to treat families moving into the State from another State differently than other families under the program, and if so, how (section 402(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act)

Wisconsin does not treat families moving into the state from another state differently from other families under the program; however, it does verify the amount of time in the TANF program in the other state to assure compliance with the federal 60-month lifetime time limit on receipt of TANF. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 2.)

(j) Citizens and Non-citizens Indicate whether the State intends to provide assistance to non-citizens and if so, include an overview of such assistance (section 402(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act)

Wisconsin does not provide assistance under the program to individuals who are not citizens of the United States or are not qualified non-citizens. Eligible individuals who are qualified non- citizens receive the same assistance through W-2 and EA as citizens of the United States. W-2 policy is consistent with federal and state definitions and other laws regarding qualified non- citizens. (See W-2 Manual Chapter 2 and EA Manual Chapter 4.) However, under the Wilson Fish TANF Coordination program, DCF’s W-2 Refugee Programs Liaison provides ongoing case management, including adapting and facilitating access to employment and training services and support for eligible refugees receiving W-2 cash assistance in order to promote self- sufficiency and integration. The Liaison partners with W-2 agency FEPs to conduct initial eligibility assessments, intake appointments, and needs assessments for each member of a refugee family.

(k) Fair and Equitable Treatment Set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and the determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how it will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a State administrative or appeal process (section 402(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Social Security Act).

Wisconsin has established objective criteria for the delivery of benefits, determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment. Wisconsin’s objective criteria for the delivery of cash assistance include: • Maximum payment amounts for W-2 program placements; • Payment issuance; • Electronic Funds Transfer;

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43 • Overpayment recovery; and • Payment reductions.

(See W-2 Manual Chapters 10 and 11 and information on Penalties/Payment Reductions.)

Wisconsin’s objective criteria for the establishment of eligibility include nonfinancial and financial eligibility. (See W-2 Manual Chapters 2 and 3 and information on W-2 Eligibility.)

Due to the variety and needs of each of the TANF programs in this section, there are different complaint resolution processes for program eligibility and participation. For TANF programs within DCF, there generally is an informal step first to resolve the issue quickly and with cooperation. When this process does not resolve the issue, there is a formal resolution process(see W-2 Dispute Resolution Process below). For TANF programs provided by other Wisconsin Departments, each Department has its own complaint resolution process.

Labor Standards Fair and equitable treatment of W-2 participants is addressed by the labor standards for all W-2 employment and work training sites (for TEMP, CSJs, and W-2 Ts) and require compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting W-2 participants, including requirements for safe and healthy work environments(see W-2 Manual Chapter 9).

W-2 Dispute Resolution Process There are two levels of review under the W-2 Dispute Resolution process: 1) a Fact Finding Review; and 2) a Departmental Review. The purpose of the Fact Finding Review is to resolve disputes for applicants and participants who disagree with a W-2 agency’s decision. This includes decisions regarding all W-2 services, including Learnfare, JALs, and EA. An individual or a W-2 agency may request a Departmental Review if either entity disagrees with a Fact Finding decision.

Appeals Process Applicants and participants have the right to request a Fact Finding Review within 45 days of a decision affecting their case. The Fact Finding Review is completed by the W-2 agency’s Fact Finder. It is the first level of the dispute resolution if an applicant or participant believes:

1. The denial of an application for JAL or W-2 services was incorrect;

2. The W-2 or JAL application was not acted upon with reasonable promptness;

3. The W-2 placement was inappropriate;

4. The W-2 placement begin date was wrong;

5. The W-2 payment was incorrectly ended, reduced, or subject to an overpayment;

6. The extension to a W-2 24-month placement time limit or 48-month state lifetime limit was incorrectly denied;

7. The denial of a good cause request for noncooperation with child support was incorrect;

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44

8. The W-2 case was incorrectly closed;

9. A Learnfare penalty was incorrectly imposed; and/or

10. The agency’s determination of an IPV was incorrect. A decision will be issued by the Fact Finder within five working days of the Fact Finding Review taking place, when the participant and agency exchange their evidence. The final decision is mailed to the participant and any action required of the W-2 Agency must be complied with in 10 calendar days. If an individual or the W-2 agency disagrees with the final Fact Finding decision, they may appeal the decision by requesting a Departmental Review. The Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Hearings and Appeals will conduct the Departmental Review. W-2 agencies must comply with the Departmental Review decision within 10 calendar days of the decision. (See W-2 Manual Chapters 12 and 15.)

Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Complaint Resolution Each W-2 agency must meet Civil Rights Compliance and Affirmative Action requirements, which include processes for resolution of complaints. Complaints must be filed within one hundred and eighty (180) days for discrimination complaints. Civil rights investigations are to be completed within ninety (90) days of when the complaint is filed. However, investigations may take longer depending upon the need for additional information from the complainant or other parties involved in the complaint.

The Wisconsin Departments and/or their provider agencies administer all of the state programs included in this Plan. These Departments are DCF, DOA, DHS, DPI, and DOR. All of these Departments and their provider agencies are required to meet state and federal Civil Rights Compliance and Affirmative Action requirements. (See W-2 Manual Appendix on W-2 Agency Civil Rights Obligation.)

(l) Elder Care Indicate whether the State intends to assist individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment (Section 402(a)(1)(B)(v) of the Social Security Act)—: (1) Providing direct care in a long-term care facility (as such terms are defined under section 1397j of this title ); or (2) In other occupations related to elder care, high-demand occupations, or occupations expected to experience labor shortages as, determined appropriate by the State for which the State identifies an unmet need for service personnel, and, if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.

The W-2 program provides assistance to eligible individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment that includes providing direct care in a long-term care facility (as terms are defined for the TANF program under section 1397j of Title IV-A of the Social Security Act). The W-2 program’s job skills training, work experience, and job retention services provided for TEMP, CSJ, and W-2 T participants often include training and employment services for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), home health aides, and other personal and health care aide positions. The W-2 program’s case management services provide ongoing employment

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45 retention services for positions that include CNAs, home health aides, and other personal and health care aides.

Additionally, Wisconsin has a program that requires state agencies with 100 or more full-time equivalent positions to annually prepare and implement a plan to hire W-2 participants. State agencies with fewer employees are encouraged to participate in the program as well. A primary goal of the W-2 employment program is to ensure that W-2 customers are enabled to become economically self-sufficient. Together with DCF, the DOA Division of Performance Management provides resources and support to agencies to recruit, assess, certify and retain W-2 participants. W-2 participants are commonly hired for positions related to providing direct care in a long-term care facility, including positions under the following classification titles: nursing assistant, nurse clinician, resident-care technician, and psychiatric-care technician.

DCF will coordinate with DHS’s Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to plan for and help address Wisconsin’s current and ongoing shortage of health care workers for the increasing elder population. The goal of this coordination is to proactively identify geographic movement within Wisconsin of the elder population and the workers who provide health care services, eldercare labor shortage issues, and other eldercare issues. DCF will share this information with W-2 agencies. W-2 agencies are required to keep informed of local economic trends and provide employment services, including job skills training and job development, based on those trends.

(m) MOE-funded Services Provide for all MOE-funded services the following information: the name of the program benefit or service, and the financial eligibility criteria that families must meet in order to receive that benefit or service. In addition, for TANF MOE-funded services (co-mingled or segregated MOE) describe the program benefit provided to eligible families (SSP services do not have to include a description but the Department of Health and Human Services encourages it) (§263.2(b)(3)& §263.2(c) preamble pages 17826-7).

Please see Appendix 1 for this information.

TANF Certifications

Wisconsin will operate a program to provide TANF: so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; to prevent and reduce the incidence of “out-of-wedlock” pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. This program generally is known as Wisconsin Works (W-2).

States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must provide a certification by the chief executive officer of that State, that during the fiscal year, the State will:

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46 1. Wisconsin’s TANF Program Specify which state agency will administer and supervise the program in part (a) in all political subdivisions of the State:

DCF administers and supervises the program in all political subdivisions of the State; 2. Child Support Operate a child support enforcement program under the State plan approved under part D (section 402(a)(2) of the Social Security Act); 3. Foster Care and Adoption Assistance

Operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the State plan approved under part E, and that the State will take such actions as necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under such part are eligible for medical assistance under the State plan under title XIX (section 402(a)(3) of the Social Security Act; 4. Administration Specify which State agency or agencies will administer and supervise the program referred to in paragraph (1) for the fiscal year, which shall include assurances that local governments and private sector organizations (section 402(a)(4) of the Social Security Act)— (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 the design of such services; 5. Equitable Access 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 Section 412, with equitable access to assistance under the State program funded under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government (section 402(a)(5) of the Social Security Act); 6. Program Fraud and Abuse Establish and enforce 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 (section 402(a)(6) of the Social Security Act); 7. Domestic Violence (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(7)) Optional Certification [x] The State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to: • Screen and identify individuals receiving assistance under this part with a history of domestic violence while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals; • Refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services; and • Waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause, other program requirements such as time limits (for as long as necessary) for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and family cap provisions, in cases where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance under this part to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize such individuals

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47 who are or have been victimized by such violence, or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence. 8. Plan Amendments (42 U.S.C. 602(b))

Within thirty (30) days after the State amends a plan submitted pursuant to

subsection (a), the State shall notify the Secretary of the amendment; and 9. Public Availability of Plan Summary (42 U.S.C. 602(c)) The State shall make available to the public a summary of any plan or plan amendment section.

Wisconsin TANF Certification Requirement from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022

CERTIFICATION THAT THE STATE WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION TO VICTIMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING (Section 402 (a)(8) of the Social Security Act):

(A) In general. A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to:

(i) ensure the applicants and potential applicants for assistance under the State program funded under this part are notified of assistance made available by the State to victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (ii) ensure that case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are trained in: a. the nature and dynamics of sexual harassment and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; b. 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 c. methods of ascertaining and ensuring confidentiality of personal information and documentation related to applicants for assistance and their children who provided notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (iii) ensure that, if a State has elected to establish and enforce standards and procedures regarding the screening for, identification of, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking pursuant to paragraph (7): a. the State program under this part provides information about the options under this part to current and potential beneficiaries and; b. case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part provided with training regarding State standards and procedures pursuant to paragraph (7).

Wisconsin helps families with low-incomes achieve self-sufficiency through the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program. All W-2 applicants receive written information about domestic violence which describes the resources and protections available to applicants and participants who are the survivors of domestic violence. Posters with similar information are posted in common areas of all W-2 agencies. In 2023, language was added to the written information to address sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking.

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48

The Wisconsin Works Programs (WWP) Informal Assessment includes a screening section that assesses participants for domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The screener is offered to every W-2 participant prior to the initial W-2 placement. W-2 agency workers provide supportive resources to survivors of domestic violence based on the results of the screener. Participants may decline to answer without risk of sanction or case closure. The screener is offered again at six-month intervals until completed or until the participant is no longer in a W-2 placement. The participant may also request to revisit the screener at any time. Agency workers explain how participant information will be kept confidential. Wisconsin exempts survivors of domestic violence from child support cooperation requirements.

All agency workers who directly work with applicants and participants must take a state designed and delivered training that covers the nature and dynamics of domestic violence. The topics of sexual harassment, sexual assault and stalking will be added to this training and an updated course was ready by January 2024. W-2 agencies must work closely with individuals for whom domestic violence is an issue to ensure that these individuals are receiving appropriate services. Workers should explain to participants the good cause exemption from program rules, available resources, and finding support to overcome the barriers they face. Additionally, survivors of domestic violence may receive a time-limit extension if there is an identified need to continue receiving W-2 services.

45-day Public Comment Period This WIOA State Combined Plan TANF Section was available for public comment for 45 calendar days, January 29, 2026 – March 14, 2026

Certified by the designee of the Chief Executive Officer of the State of Wisconsin:

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Jeff Pertl

Date Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

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49 Glossary of Acronyms AODA Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse ARP At Risk Pregnancy BOS Balance of State BMCW Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare CMC Custodial Parent of an Infant CMD Case Management Denied CMF Case Management Follow-Up CMF+ Case Management Follow-Up Plus CMJ Case Management for Job Ready Individuals CMM Case Management for Minor Parents CMN Case Management for Non-custodial Parents CMP Case Management for Pregnant Women CMU Case Management for Unsubsidized Employment CNA Certified Nursing Assistant CPS Child Protective Services CSA Child Support Agency CSJ Community Service Job CTS SSI Caretaker Supplement DOA Department of Administration DMCPS Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services DCF Department of Children and Families DHS Department of Health Services DOJ Department of Justice DPI Department of Public Instructions DOR Department of Revenue EA Emergency Assistance EP Employability Plan FPL Federal Poverty Level FEP Financial and Employability Planner IPV Intentional Program Violation JAL Job Access Loan MOE Maintenance of Effort MPCP Milwaukee Parental Choice Program NCP Non-Custodial Parent PPSCP Parental Private School Choice Program PRWORA Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 SMART Skills Mastery and Resistance Training SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance SAGE Student Achievement Guarantee in Education

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50

APPENDIX 1 FFY 2025 TANF Annual Report on State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs Form ACF-204

1. (a) Name of Benefit or Service Program: W-2 Benefits

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin provides cash assistance to W-2 participants who qualify. The maximum monthly benefit amount is $653.00 or $608.00. Wisconsin includes Qualified Non-Citizens (a state option) and provides for their benefits and services with 100% state funds.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $24,133,870

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $24,133,870

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 3,890 This last figure represents (check one): SSI Supplemental Security Income TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TEMP Trial Employment Match Program TJ Transitional Jobs TMJ Transform Milwaukee Jobs W-2 Wisconsin Works W-2 T W-2 Transition WCASA Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault WFCAP Wisconsin Funeral and Cemetery Aids Program WISH Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health YRBS Youth Risk Behavior Survey

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__x___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

______ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 115% of the federal poverty level

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

1. (b) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Brighter Futures

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Grants are provided to local agencies for the purpose of preventing and reducing the incidence of non-marital pregnancy; youth violence; youth alcohol and other substance use and abuse; child abuse and neglect; and to increase adolescent self-sufficiency by encouraging high school graduation, vocational preparedness, improved social and other interpersonal skills and responsible decision making.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (c): Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and (d): Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program ______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $711,145

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $711,145

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52 8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 5,488

This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Grantees must target service delivery to the most vulnerable populations which include families from the lowest-income neighborhoods of their service-delivery areas. These services also support fatherhood initiatives and two-parent families as a stabilizing force in the lives of children.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

53 1. (c) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Burial Services

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Financial assistance is available to needy families for cemetery, funeral, and burial costs.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program ______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $349,771

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $349,771

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 242

This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-FUNDED Program Benefits or Services: Receiving W-2 benefits and/or services (115% of the federal poverty level) or financially eligible to receive W-2 benefits and/or services.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes _____ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

54 1. (d) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Case Management Follow-Up Plus

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin provides a monthly $50 supplemental payment in addition to case management follow-up services to eligible W-2 participants that obtain unsubsidized employment and meet federal work participation requirements.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; and (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work.

4. Program Type (Check one) ______ This Program is operated under the TANF program

__x___ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program): Wisconsin expects the W-2 agencies to provide follow-up case management services for a twelve-month period, as long as the participant continues to meet nonfinancial eligibility criteria, to prevent return to W-2 and to ensure employment stability. The follow-up case management services may include: a. Employment skills training b. Job counseling and support c. Supportive service referrals d. Career development e. Job search assistance f. Rapid reattachment services g. ESL classes, if the W-2 agency determines that the course will facilitate the individual’s efforts to retain or advance in employment h. A course of study meeting the standards established under Wis. Stat. s. 115.29(4) for the granting of a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation; or i. Other remedial education courses

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $286,350

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $286,350

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 1,554

This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

55 __ x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: W-2 Participants who find unsubsidized employment while in W-2 who were previously in a paid placement are eligible for Case Management Follow- up Services and Case Management Services Follow-up Plus. To be eligible for W-2, participants have passed the W-2 income eligibility test of 115% FPL.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

56 1. (e) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Child Support Pass-Through

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin provides current W-2 and SSI Caretaker Supplement (CTS) participants with 75% of child support collected on their behalf. In determining eligibility for these programs, it disregards child support received. After W-2 or CTS cases close, Wisconsin provides 100% of child support collected to former W-2 and CTS participants.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; and (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program ______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,533,002

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,533,002

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 6,452 This last figure represents (check one): ______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 115% of the federal poverty level (FPL)

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

57 1. (f) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Children First

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: The Children First program provides grants to local agencies for the purpose of providing support services to unemployed or underemployed noncustodial parents who are behind in their child support payments. Participation in the program requires a court order.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type (Check one)

___x__ This Program is operated under the TANF program _____ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $493,700

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $493,700

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 617 This last figure represents (check one):

_____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

___x__ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: No financial resources available to pay child support and unemployed or underemployed

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

58 1. (g) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Domestic Violence Services

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin provides grants to local domestic violence service providers to assist victims of domestic violence who may have suffered from physical, sexual, economic, emotional, and/or psychological abuse from an intimate partner or family member. Services are provided to adults and children.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $10,716,193

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $10,716,193

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 1,189 This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and a minor child in the household

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes __x____ No ______

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995:

(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

59 1. (h) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Educational Support Services to Needy Students

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin provides a number of services to needy students, pre-K through grade 12, including: reducing class sizes for low-income students; providing more resources for needy students in rural districts; and providing more resources for students in high poverty districts.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose(s): (a) Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (b) End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; (c) Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and (d) Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program ______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $75,005,722

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $75,005,722

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 374,558 This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

___x__ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Eligibility for Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______No ___x__

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

60 11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

1. (i) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Emergency Assistance

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Emergency Assistance is available to needy families if the emergency is due to fire, flood, natural disaster, energy crisis, impending homelessness, or homelessness. Families may be eligible for Emergency Assistance once in a 12-month period.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program.

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $8,276,101

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $8,276,101

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 7,123 This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 115% of the federal poverty level

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

61 1. (j) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program and Weatherization Assistance Program

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Provides payments to utility companies and other energy suppliers on behalf of needy families, reconnection services, crisis intervention services (e.g. furnace replacements), and weatherization services.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Reduce the energy burden and provide crisis services to eligible households, including those with young children.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $25,069,878

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $25,069,878

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 70,573 This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Families with children and under 60% of state median income adjusted for family size

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes _____ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

62

1. (k) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Job Access Loans

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Job Access Loans are short-term interest-free loans that are intended to meet immediate and discrete expenses that are related to obtaining employment (e.g., car repairs, driver’s license fees, clothing/uniforms)

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program ______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,448,015

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,525,706

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 1,468 This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 115% of the federal poverty level

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

63 1. (l) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Kinship Care

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Cash assistance is provided on a monthly basis to the relative caretakers of needy children. Effective January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021 the maximum payment is $254.00 per month per child. The expenditure levels provided below include the administrative costs of local assessments.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $34,048,023

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $34,048,023

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 4,391 This last figure represents (check one):

__x__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

_____ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Children removed from their parental homes are considered to have no financial resources

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes _____ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

64 1. (m) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Local W-2 Agencies

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Local W-2 agencies contract with the state administering agency for eligibility and service delivery of W-2 benefits and support services. The following expenditures include the cost of eligibility determination, local administration, and services provided to participants.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; and (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $53,568,922

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $53,568,922

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 5,615 This last figure represents (check one):

__x___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

______ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 115% of the federal poverty level

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

65 1. (n) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Milwaukee County Substance Use Disorder Treatment

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin contracts with Milwaukee County to provide substance use disorder services to TANF-eligible individuals without financial resources for a wide range of substance use disorder treatment, recovery-support services, parenting classes, and programing that improves daily living skills and supports self-sufficiency. Special population groups for priority of services include pregnant women and W-2 participants.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; (c): Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and (d): Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,904,454

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,904,454

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 587 This last figure represents (check one)

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 200% of the federal poverty level

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one) Yes ______ No __x___ 11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

66 1. (o) Name of Benefit or Service Program: SSI Caretaker Supplement

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: SSI recipients with dependent children are eligible to receive a monthly supplement of $275.00 for one child and $165.00 for each additional child.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purpose (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $816,008

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $816,008

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 3,436 This last figure represents (check one):

___x__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

______ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Must be receiving SSI

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes _____ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

(NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

67 1. (p) Name of Benefit or Service Program: State Administration

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: State administration includes the state agency costs of administering the W-2 program and related TANF programs, such as Emergency Assistance and Job Access Loans.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; (c): Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies; and (d): Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,352,358

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,352,358

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 6,330 This last figure represents (check one):

__x__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

_____ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: 115% - 300% of the federal poverty level

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

68 1. (q) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Student Milk and Breakfast Programs

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Under the Wisconsin “Morning” Milk Program, participating schools provide free milk daily to children of eligible families from pre-K through fifth grade; similarly, participating schools provide free breakfast to children of eligible families from pre-K through fifth grade.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; and (b), by promoting children’s effective learning, the benefit contributes to ending the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation and work.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 2,389,987

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $ 2,389,987

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 138,412

This last figure represents (check one):

______ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

__x___ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Eligible to receive free and reduced-price lunch program benefits (children from households receiving FoodShare and/or W-2 benefits/services are categorically eligible).

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes __x___ No ______

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

69

1. (r) Name of Benefit or Service Program: Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities: Wisconsin supports low-income working families by subsidizing a portion of the cost of quality child care while the parents or caregivers are working or participating in another approved activity.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program: TANF Purposes (a): Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (b): End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.

4. Program Type (Check one)

__x___ This Program is operated under the TANF program

______ This Program is a Separate State program

5. Description of Work Activities (Complete only if this program is a Separate State program)

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $15,993,317

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $15,993,317

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE funds: 19,746 This last figure represents (check one):

__X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year

_____ The total served over the fiscal year

9. Financial Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services: Child care assistance is available to all working families at or below 200 % of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) at the time of their initial application and at or below 85% of the State Median Income once the family is receiving child care assistance.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes ______ No __x___

TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

70 11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0 (NOTE: provide only if response on question 10 is No)