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TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

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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