HomeMy WebLinkAboutC07-193 Eagle County Works Program_policiesEAGLE COUNTY HEALTH
& HUMAN SERVICES
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM
Policies - Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 20039 April 2004,
April 2005 and June 2007 by the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners
Nothing in the Eagle County WORKS program shall be interpreted to create a legal
entitlement in any participant to assistance or services provided pursuant to the Colorado
WORKS program or the Eagle County WORKS program.
I. Application and Assessment Process
A. Ability to apply
Applicants shall have the option of applying for any and all programs offered by Eagle
County Health and Human Services. Applicants will be advised of various program
options, benefits, services, eligibility requirements and client responsibilities at time of
application. Applications will be available in ECHHS offices during normal working
hours and by mail.
B. Action on Applications
Applicants will receive an appointment to process their application within five working
days. If an emergency housing, food, childcare or medical need exists, applicants will be
seen the same workingday. All applications Y pp will be processed within 45 days.
C. Assessment
Applicants for WORKS will complete an assessment of job readiness within 30 days of
application. This assessment will include a structured interview with an ECHHS case
manager; an overview of employment readiness through identification of job skills and
education; child care options, transportation, housing and other work support factors; and
completion of other additional assessments of job readiness as may be indicated by the
structured interview and overview of employment readiness.
D. Participant Responsibilities
Participants in the WORKS program are required to
> give truthful and accurate information and to provide information on the factors
that determine eligibility as required by State and County Program Regulations.
> cooperate with child support enforcement efforts.
> have current immunizations for their children and provide written proof.
> participate in the job readiness assessment process.
> participate in development and signing of Individual Responsibility Contract.
> cooperate with training, education or work requirements.
> report and document compliance with their Individual Responsibility Contract.
> provide timely return of their Monthly Status Report (7th or 8th of the month).
> notify the agency in advance if they cannot keep appointments.
> follow through with the IRC plan and referrals agreed upon.
> request good cause exemptions in a timely fashion.
> voice grievances in accordance with the County's dispute resolution process.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 2
E. Agency Responsibilities
> to treat participants with dignity and respect.
> to hold private and confidential all information regarding the participant's application,
benefits, IRC and case records.
> to inform participants of their rights and responsibilities.
> to provide information on agency programs and benefits.
> to accept applications for benefits or services.
> to apply the rules of eligibility equally.
> to act in a timely and courteous manner on a participant's request for services.
> to engage the participant in the planning of services.
> to. inform participants about the services or care that they will be receiving; the staff
involved; the frequency and length of service.
> to allow participants to refuse services or treatment within the confines of law and
inform participants of the consequences of their actions.
> to provide translation services or services in the participant' s own language.
(including language translator, sign language, visually impaired assists)
> to notify participants of the reasons for agency decisions.
> to provide information on other community service options.
> to receive grievances and complaints about unsatisfactory treatment without reprisal;
and to investigate those grievances or complaints
> to allow participants to appeal the decisions of the Department regarding their
application for or receipt of benefits and services
II. Basic Cash Assistance
Basic Cash Assistance will be provided in accordance with statewide eligibility criteria and the
rules established by the State Board of Human Services.
A. Optional payment methods:
1. Monthly cash assistance grants.
2. Vendor payments.
Vendor payments may be used for Statewide and County Diversion benefits; for
lump sum payments; or, when the participant requests vendor payments.
3. Lump sum payments : Lump sum payments may be authorized when the
participant is at imminent risk of homelessness or loss of employment and when
(1) a lump sum payment can secure housing or employment without,
(2) jeopardizing the participant's ability to participate in work-related activities, or
(3) the participant's ability to meet other basic needs of their family.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 3
B. Conditions for Authorizing Vendor Payments:
L Statewide and County Diversion: Based on the Individual Responsibility Contract
between the participant and Eagle County as approved by the County Director/designee.
2. Lump Sum payment. That portion of the lump sum payment required to secure
housing or employment will be identified in the Individual Responsibility Contract
between the participant and Eagle County as approved by the County Director/designee.
3. At Participant's Request: When the participant requests in writing that vendor
payments be made.
C. Hardship Extensions: An assistance unit containing an individual who has received
Federal TANF assistance in Colorado or another state as an adult for sixty (60) or more
cumulative months shall not be eligible for Colorado WORKS unless granted an
extension by the county department due to hardship or domestic violence. Hardship
extension will be accepted and processed bursuant to State regulations- Hardship is
defined only as those criteria listed in State regulations.
III. Individual Responsibility Contracts
Individual Responsibility Contracts will be completed for all custodial parents of eligible
children, persons over age 18, and for all persons under age 18 who have not completed
high school and are not in school and who are recipients of basic cash assistance,
statewide diversion grants and county diversion grants. Individual Responsibility
Contracts will be developed in conjunction with the participant and other service
providers. The expectations under the IRC will be in writing and will be acknowledged
by signature of all parties to the IRC. The IRC will be effective upon review and
approval by the Director or designee. For basic case assistance cases, refusal to
participate in training, education, or work as evidenced by an affirmative statement by the
participant or demonstrable evidence, may result in denial or termination of the basic cash
assistance grant in its entirety as determined by the county for a minimum of one month.
IV. Employment and Job Preparation Requirements
All WORKS applicants, and custodial parents of eligible children, are expected to
participate in work-related activities. Eagle County may exempt participants from
sanction for non -participation in work related activities. This exemption does not stop
the individual's federal requirement to enter a work related activity within 24 months.
A. Fair and objective criteria for the determination of exception from work-related
requirements:
1. Parent Ability to Work: The parent/caretaker has a disability that interferes
with work activity. Objective Criteria: physician or mental health professional
statement or receipt of SSFOASDI.
2. Pregnancy : The single caretaker is pregnant - for a period not to exceed 12 weeks
that can extend from the ninth month of pregnancy through the P month of infant
care. Objective Criteria: verification of pregnancy status and request by the parent to
provide care & bonding.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 4
3. Disabled Child Needing Care: The parent/caretaker is required in the home on a
full-time basis. Objective Criteria: physician statement or certification by a
Community Centered Board agency.
4. Lack of Child Care: There is no available childcare, as defined in Section XII,
while the parent participates in work activity. Objective Criteria: The Department
will verify the absence of relative, legally exempt or licensed childcare.
5. Transportation: There is no transportation to work activity. Objective Criteria:
The Department will verify the absence of public transportation, the absence of
private transportation that could be accessed by the participant.
6. Domestic Violence: Separation due to domestic violence or child abuse, or the
parent/caretaker would be placed at imminent risk of domestic violence if they
participated in a work related activity. Objective Criteria: The parent/caretaker
makes such a request and there exists documentation of law enforcement reports and
intervention to protect the parent/caretaker from domestic violence.
7. Family Trauma: Death of a child, parent, spouse or caretaker or the need to
provide care for a family member. Objective Criteria: Assessment and statement by
a mental health professional with a plan for counseling that will enable the family to
restore family functioning or a statement by a physician that the parent/caretaker is
needed in the home to provide care for another family member.
B. Work-related activities
The following activities are recognized by the county as meeting work related
requirements:
1. Unsubsidized employment
2. Subsidized private sector employment
3. Subsidized public sector employment
4. Work Experience
5. On -the -Job Training - see B & C.
6. Job Search and Job Readiness Activities
7. Community Service Programs as available in the community.
8. Vocational educational training - not to exceed 12 months/individual
9. Provision of child care services to a participant in a community service program.
10. Job Skills Training directly related to employment - employer specific.
11. Education directly related to employment in the case of a participant who has not
received a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.
12. Satisfactory attendance at secondary school, Adult Basic Education, English as a
Second Language or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general
equivalence, in the case of a participant who has not completed secondary school or
received such a certificate.
13. Domestic violence, mental health or substance abuse treatment that is necessary in
order to participate in other work-related activities.
Special Note : Items 10-13 do not count for purposes of Federal work participation rate calculations.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 5
V. Other Assistance
A. Cash
Additional cash assistance may be provided to a WORKS, client to support employment and
job training goals outlined in the client, s Individual Responsibility Contract. Additional
cash assistance may be one-time or ongoing assistance.
1. One - time cash assistance:
One time cash assistance may be equivalent to no more than three months' basic
cash assistance level. One time cash assistance may be authorized for the following:
> employment related transportation expenses
> employment required tools, equipment or clothing.
> glasses or other prosthetic devices necessary for employment and not covered under
Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
> relocation assistance with a firm job offer that will result in self-sufficiency and
termination of WORKS benefits.
> housing or utility deposits or installation of phone service.
> emergency assistance for shelter, childcare and food.
2. Ongoing additional cash assistance:
Ongoing additional cash assistance may be equivalent to no more than the monthly
basic cash assistance grant. Ongoing additional cash assistance above that of the
basic cash assistance grant may be provided to assist with the following:
- transportation expenses to participate in employment, training or job preparation.
- training, work supplies and equipment not otherwise covered by WIA.
- personal care items and services needed for entering work related activities.
- other work-related expenses specified in the IRC and approved by the County.
4. Additional cash assistance for grandparent placement of children :
Grandparents to the children who have been the subject of an open and active child
welfare case that resulted in guardianship with the grandparents may receive ongoing
cash assistance in an amount not to exceed the usual family foster care reimbursement
of Eagle County.
B. Other Services
Eagle County Health and Human Services will connect WORKS participants with other
community services which support self-sufficiency goals and will use WORKS funds to
purchase these services through vendor payments when they are not available under Medicaid
or in the community without additional cost to the family or the agency. Purchased Services
may be provided in a total amount not to exceed the equivalent of six months basic cash
assistance grant.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 6
These services will also be made available under the WORKS program to families that qualify
for services under Title IVA-EA of the Social Security Act. That is, for families :
> whose children are living at home or with relatives within the 5th degree, and
> who are US citizens or documented residents, and
> whose gross family income is less than $ 75,000/ year, and
> who are experiencing an Aemergency@ that impacts their ability to care for their
children.
Purchased Services will parallel the Title IV -A Emergency Assistance and Family
Preservation guidelines and may include the following:
Services to help families gain employment
> Adult literacy and English as a Second language
> Adult Basic Education or General Equivalent Diploma
> Pre-employment skills and Job coaching
> Transportation or translation.
Services to help families achieve independence
> Legal services for domestic relations and landlord/tenant issues
> Financial and household management services
> Homemaker services for disabled adult caretakers or disabled children
> Medical case management services
> Child Support Enforcement services - custodial parent fee.
Services to help strengthen family life
> Parenting education and support and family mentoring
> Family communication services
> Substance Abuse treatment services
> Domestic violence treatment
Services to help youth achieve independence
> Independent living services for youth between the ages of 16 and 18.
> Day treatment services
> Youth mentoring services
> Youth sexual offender assessment and treatment
Eagle County may also provide grants to community agencies for programs that stabilize
family life and promote self-sufficiency in accordance with the goals of TANF.
C. Time Limits for Other Assistance and Services
1. Cash Assistance
One-time assistance - payments may be extended over a four-month period.
On-going assistance - up to 24 months
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 1007
Page 7
2. Purchased Services - throughout the time of WORKS eligibility and for six
months after achieving self-sufficiency (termination of cash assistance payments).
D. Restrictions on Other Assistance
1. Cash Assistance: Must be categorically eligible under the Colorado WORKS program.
Additional or transitional needs must be documented and included in the Individual
Responsibility Contract between the participant and Eagle County as reviewed and
approved by the County.
Services: Service needs for WORKS participants must be documented and included in
the Individual Responsibility Contract between the participant and Eagle County and
approved by the County Director or designee. Service needs for Title IVA-EA families
must be documented in an application for services and approved by the County Director
or designee. All services except for services related to training and employment will be
available to client families on a VOLUNTARY basis. Eligibility and appropriateness for
services will be determined by ECHHS in conjunction with service vendors.
VI. Statewide Diversion
A. Criteria for receipt of a statewide diversion grant
1. The family is NOT in need of long-term cash assistance as determined by:
a. Client statement
b. Verification of employment and other income that will be sufficient to
assure long-term self-sufficiency. Determination of self-sufficiency will compare
total monthly income to total monthly expenses for shelter, food, transportation,
medical needs and personal items as identified by the client.
2. The family, at time of application, meets the eligibility criteria for the Colorado
WORKS program.
3. The amount of diversion payment, up to the equivalent of six month's basic cash
assistance under WORKS, is sufficient to divert the family from assistance and assure
long-term self-sufficiency.
B. Method of Payment
Vendor payments or direct payments to participants will be utilized for statewide and
county diversion grants.
C. Limits on reapplication
Applicants for Statewide Diversion grants will agree in writing to NOT apply for basic
cash assistance or diversion grants for a period of 12 months.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 8
D. Good Cause: Families who have received an optional state diversion payment may
apply for basic cash assistance or subsequent diversion payments prior to the end of the
12 -month exclusionary period for the good cause. (see Section VIII: sanctions & fraud)
E. Services
Eagle County Health and Human Services will make the following in-kind services
available to recipients of statewide diversion grants:> Information and Referral services
to other community agencies. > Case Management and Service Coordination
VII. County Diversion Program
A. Criteria for receipt of a county diversion grant
1. The family's income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level.
2. The family meets all criteria for eligibility under the Colorado WORKS BCA
program except that the family's income exceeds the BCA eligibility level.
3. The family is NOT in need of long-term cash assistance as determined by:
a. Client statement
b. Verification of employment and other income that will be sufficient to
assure long-term self-sufficiency. Determination of self-sufficiency will
compare monthly income to monthly expenses for shelter, food, medical
needs, transportation, and personal items as identified by the client.
4. The amount of diversion payment, up to the equivalent of six month's basic
cash assistance under WORKS, is sufficient to divert the family from assistance
and assure long-term self-sufficiency.
Eagle County Health and Human Services will connect WORKS participants with other
community services which support self-sufficiency goals and will use WORKS funds to
purchase these services through vendor payments when they are not available under
Medicaid or in the community without additional cost to the family or the agency.
Purchased Services may be provided in a total amount not to exceed the equivalent of six
months basic cash assistance grant. These services will also be made available under the
WORKS program to families that qualify for services under Title IVA-EA of the Social
Security Act. That is, for families :
> whose children are living at home or with relatives within the 5th degree, and
> who are US citizens or eligible qualified aliens, and
> whose gross family income is less than $ 75,000/ year, and
> who are experiencing an emergency that impacts their ability to care for their
children.
!l EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 9
Purchased Services will parallel the Title IV A Emergency Assistance and Family
Preservation guidelines and may include the following:
Services to help families gain employment
> Adult literacy and English as a Second language
> Adult Basic Education or General Equivalent Diploma
> Pre-employment skills and Job coaching
> Transportation or translation
Services to help families achieve independence
> Legal services for domestic relations and landlord/tenant issues
> Financial and household management
> Homemaker services for disabled adult caretakers or disabled children
> Medical case management services
> Child Support Enforcement services - custodial parent fee.
Services to help strengthen family life
> Parenting education and support and family mentoring
> Family communication services
> Substance Abuse treatment services
> Domestic violence treatment
Services to help youth achieve independence
> Independent living services for youth between the ages of 16 and 18.
> Day treatment services
> Youth mentoring services
> Youth sexual offender assessment and treatment.
Eagle County may also provide grants to community agencies for programs that stabilize
family life and promote self-sufficiency in accordance with the goals of TANF.
B. Method of Payment
Vendor payments and direct payments to participants may be utilized for county
diversion grants.
C. Limits on reapplication
Applicants for County Diversion grants will agree in writing to NOT apply for basic cash
assistance or diversion grants for a period of 12 months.
D. Good Cause: Families who have received an optional county diversion payment may
apply for basic cash assistance or subsequent diversion payments prior to the end of the
12 month exclusionary period for good cause. (See Section VIII: sanctions & fraud)
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 10
E. Services
Eagle County Health and Human Services will make the following in-kind services
available to recipients of county diversion grants: Information and Referral services to
other community agencies. Case management and service coordination.
F. Community Resource Investment Assistance
Eagle County will contract with community agencies to provide services that address one
or more of the four federal TANF goals. The community resources in which Eagle
County will invest include prevention, early intervention, and treatment services which
assist youth and families in achieving economic self-sufficiency, stabilizing families to
prevent family breakdown, prevention and reduction of out -of -wedlock pregnancies, and
promotion of two parent families.
For PRWORA Goals I & 2: Self-sufficiency and Family Stabilization
Families may be eligible for services:
> whose children are living at home or with relatives within the 5th degree, and
> who are US citizens or documented residents, and
> whose gross family income is less than $ 75,000/ year, and
> who are experiencing an Aemergency@ that impacts their ability to care for their
children.
For PWORA Goals 3 & 4: reduction of out of wedlock pregnancy and promotion of two
parent families, there are no income eligibility or residency requirements.
Contractors are responsible to obtain information from participants establishing
participant eligibility. Contractors maintain eligibility documentation for audit. Eagle
County reimburses contractors only for services to TANF eligible participants.
Dispute resolution process: Participants are provided with a written notice of their
potential benefits and right to appeal. The overall TANF dispute resolution process also
applies to community investment grant services.
VIII. Demonstrable Evidence, Sanctions and Fraud
A. Basic Cash Assistance
1. Demonstrable Evidence
The county may deny a case or terminate the entire basic cash assistance grant for a
minimum of one month when the participant refuses or fails, without good cause, to
participate in all training, education or work related activities as evidenced by an
affirmative statement or demonstrable evidence.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 11
2. Sanctionable Items
Sanctions will be imposed in accordance with State rules for sanctions and
disqualifications. Sanctionable items include:
> Refusal or failure to fully participate in one or more training, education or work
related activities as outlined in the IRC- 3 tier sanction
> Failure to cooperate with Child Support Enforcement - 3 tier sanction
> Failure to secure immunizations for children - 3 -tier sanction.
> Fraud - removal of caretaker from the grant for 12 -month period for the first
offense, 24 months for the second offense and lifetime for the third offense.
> Misrepresentation of information to receive assistance in two states or two
counties at the same time - ineligible for a period of 10 years.
An appointment for conciliation will be provided in the first month after a client has not
met the cumulative hourly requirements of work activity or failed to complete a
sanctionable item as outlined in their IRC. The conciliation appointment allows the client
to explain the mitigating circumstances that interfered with compliance on items within
the Individual Responsibility Contract. If the client fails to appear for the conciliation
appointment and/or the department determines good cause does not exist, the 3 -tier
sanction will be implemented. Notices of sanctions or termination of benefits will be
provided certified return receipt requested mail.
a. Three tier sanction for basic cash assistance
First Sanction:
1
month or until cured
Second sanction:
3
months or until cured
Third sanction:
6
months or until cured
3. Reasons for good cause for not imposing sanctions or closing case for demonstrable
evidence:
> domestic violence > inability to obtain child care
> incarceration. > jury duty.
> time-limited family emergencies such as a death in the immediate family; illness in
the immediate family, documented by a physician as requiring the care of the parent
or caretaker; a family disaster such as a fire, flood or major crime victimization;
eviction necessitating a search for housing; or other situations which are reviewed by
the County Director as meeting the definition of a time-limited family emergency.
4. Process for establishing good cause:
A participant may request conciliation or good cause exception from the imposition of
sanctions or case closure for demonstrable evidence at the conciliation appointment. A
request for conciliation is a request to explain the mitigating circumstances that interfered
with compliance on items within the Individual Responsibility Contract. A request for good
cause exception must be accompanied by written documentation of domestic violence,
inability to obtain child care, incarceration; jury duty; or family emergency or signed releases
for the agency to obtain such written documentation of good cause. Verification of a family
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 12
emergency and review by the County Director will be accomplished within two working days
of the request. During the period of the review, sanctions will not be imposed nor will case
closure for demonstrable evidence occur. If the good cause determination is not approved,
the participant will be notified in writing of imposition of sanctions or case closure for
demonstrable evidence in accordance with the general procedures of the Colorado WORKS
program.
B. Other Assistance
Case closure for demonstrable evidence and sanctions on other cash assistance and
purchased services will be applied in the same proportions as case closure sanctions on the
basic cash assistance grant. Reasons for good cause will be the same as in basic cash
assistance. Client notice, decision making and review of decision will be conducted in the
same manner as in basic cash assistance.
C. Statewide Diversion Grants
The Statewide Diversion program is a one-time authorized payment plan. Sanctions, other
than the agreement to not reapply for 12 months, will not be imposed. Applicants who
misrepresent their need, income, resources and situation will be prosecuted for fraud.
Families who have received an optional state diversion payment may apply for basic cash
assistance or subsequent diversion payments prior to the end of the 12 -month exclusionary
period for the following good cause:
Parent Ability to Work: Layoff due to reduction in force; or the parent/caretaker has a
disability that interferes with work activity. Objective Criteria: physician or mental
health professional statement or receipt of SSI/OASDI.
Pregnancy : The single caretaker is pregnant - for a period not to exceed 12 weeks that
can extend from the ninth month of pregnancy through the 3`d month of infant care.
Objective Criteria: verification of pregnancy status and request by the parent to
provide care & bonding.
Disabled Child Needing Care: The parent/caretaker is required in the home on a
full-time basis. Objective Criteria: physician statement or certification by a Community
Centered Board.
Lack of Child Care: There is no available childcare while the parent participates in work
activity. Objective Criteria: The Department verifies absence of relative, legally exempt
or licensed childcare.
Transportation: There is no transportation to work activity. Objective Criteria: The
Department will verify the absence of public transportation, the absence of private
transportation that could be accessed by the participant.
Domestic Violence: Separation due to domestic violence or child abuse; or, there is an
imminent risk of domestic violence to the participant. Objective Criteria: The
parent/caretaker makes such a request for exemption and there is documentation of law
enforcement reports/intervention to protect the parent/caretaker from domestic violence.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 13
D. County Diversion Grants
The County Diversion program is a one-time authorized service plan. Sanctions, other than the
agreement to not reapply for 12 months, will not be imposed. Participants who misrepresent
their need, income, resources and situation will be prosecuted for fraud. Families who have
received an optional county diversion payment may apply for basic cash assistance or subsequent
diversion payments prior to the end of the 12 -month exclusionary period for the following good
cause:
Parent Ability to Work: Layoff due to reduction in force; or the parent/caretaker has a
disability that interferes with work activity. Objective Criteria: physician or mental
health professional statement or receipt of SSI/OASDI.
Pregnancy: when the single caretaker is pregnant - for a period not to exceed 12 weeks
that can extend from the ninth month of pregnancy through the P month of infant care.
Objective Criteria: verification of pregnancy status and request by the parent to provide
care & bonding.
Disabled Child Needing Care: The parent/caretaker is required in the home on a
full-time basis. Objective Criteria: physician statement or certification by a Community
Centered Board.
Lack of Child Care: There is no available childcare, as defined in Section XII, while the
parent participates in work activity. Objective Criteria: The Department verifies absence
of relative, legally exempt or licensed childcare.
Transportation: There is no transportation to work activity.
Family Trauma: Family disaster such as a fire, flood or major crime victimization,
eviction, through no fault of the family, necessitating a search for housing, death or
incarceration of a parent, spouse or caretaker, the death of a child, or the need to provide
care for a family member, or other situations which are determined by the County
Director as meeting the definition of a family disaster. Objective Criteria: Verification
through independent sources of a family disaster; or, assessment and statement by a
mental health professional with a plan for counseling that will enable the family to restore
family functioning; or, a statement by a physician that the parent/caretaker is needed in
the home to provide care for another family member.
Domestic Violence: Separation due to domestic violence or child abuse; or, there is an
imminent risk of domestic violence to the participant. Objective Criteria: The
parent/caretaker makes a request for exemption and there is documentation of law
enforcement reports/intervention to protect the parent/caretaker from domestic violence.
IX. Dispute Resolution
Participants may request a meeting with the County Director or her designee to review the factors
of their individual situation and the basis for the county decision regarding cash benefits, services
or sanctions. Meetings with the County Director or designee will occur within 5 working days.
Benefits will continue during the period of County dispute resolution. Participants who
disagree with the Director's review of their situation will be provided information on the their
right to appeal the county' s decision. Eagle County will not provide interim relief when a
participant appeals an agency decision after the prior notice has expired.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 14
X. Segregated Funds
The county will segregate TANF funds according to State rules and regulations
XI. Eagle County Health & Human Services Employee as Applicant/Participant
Applications submitted by an employee of the Department will be processed according to the
same guidelines as all other applications. The Director will review any planned action regarding
an applicant/participant who is an employee of the Department.
XII. Child Care Availability
Appropriate and affordable childcare arrangements are defined as unavailable or unsuitable when
the following conditions exist:
A. Formal Childcare Arrangements
1. There are no openings in licensed child care programs that accept Child Care
Assistance Program (CCAP) families within a 15 miles radius of home or prospective
employment — or between the location of home and prospective employment; or,
2. When only public transportation is available to transport children under the age of
six and the distance and conditions of walking from the bus stop to the childcare program
is considered dangerous by the Department.
B. Informal Childcare Arrangements
1. For two-parent families when the non -working parent is physically, mentally or
emotionally unable to care for their children as documented by a physician or mental
health professional.
2. For all families, when the extended family member is physically, mentally or
emotionally unable to care for their children as documented by a physician or mental
health professional; or when the extended family member or legally exempt provider has
been the subject of a founded child abuse or neglect report; or involved in situations of
domestic violence; substance abuse; or criminal activity.
XIII. Transitioning from Colorado WORKS to Low -Income Child Care Assistance
Program
Families who leave the Colorado WORKS program due to employment will be transitioned to
the Low -Income Child Care Assistance Program.
A. Low -Income Child Care Assistance Application Not Required For Transitioning
Families
1. No Low -Income Child Care Assistance Application will be required of Colorado
WORKS families leaving the Colorado WORKS program due to employment.
2. At the point of transition, the Colorado WORKS case manager will obtain a
signed Client Responsibilities Agreement and Client Responsibilities Agreement
Supplemental in order to share the required information between the Colorado WORKS
program and the Child Care Assistance program staff. The original of these forms will be
kept in the Low -Income Child Care Assistance case file with a copy in the Colorado
WORKS case file.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20,2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 15
3. Information to be shared includes:
> Household composition and verification
> Activity information and verification
> Any additional information related to low-income eligibility as outlined in
Volume 3.900.
B. Colorado WORKS Cases Which Will Not Be Transitioned to Low -Income Child
Care Assistance Program
1. Circumstances Where No. Transition from Colorado WORKS to Low -Income
Child Care Assistance Program will occur:
>, The family leaves the Colorado WORKS program due to a program violation as
determined in Section 3.621;
> The family is participating in training activities which Eagle County does not
include as an eligible activity for the Low -Income Child Care Assistance program;
> Eagle County's Low -Income Child Care Assistance program's eligibility level is
below that of the transitioning family; or
> Eagle County's Low -Income Child Care Assistance program has a waiting list.
2. Noticing Requirements When No Transition Will Occur
All Colorado WORKS participants who will not be transitioned due to the reasons listed
in XHI(B)(1) will be noticed according to regulations outlined in Volume III, Section
3.830 and 3.924.
C. Redeterminations for Transitioning Families
1. Families who transition from the Colorado WORKS program to the Low Income
Child Care Assistance Program will be redetermined three (3) months after the
Low Income case is established.
2. Subsequent redeterminations after the first determination will comply with low-
income redtermination rules at outline in Volume III, Section 3.906.
XIV. Domestic Violence and the Family Violence Option
A. Notice
All applicants who are past or present victims of domestic violence or at risk of further
domestic violence shall be provided notice of the possible waivers and applicable
procedures available under the Colorado WORKS program. Staff shall be trained in the
domestic violence option and utilize the state approved domestic violence packet to
screen and identify victims of domestic violence.
B. Referrals
Referrals to any available counseling and supportive services shall be provided to past or
present victims of domestic violence or those at risk of further violence. The County is
not obligated to pay for any services to which the participant is referred.
EAGLE COUNTY WORKS PROGRAM POLICIES
Adopted November 20, 2001; Amended April 2003, April 2004, April 2005 and June 2007
Page 16
C. Good Cause
1. Upon a showing of good cause, waivers from any program requirements shall be
provided in any instance that will make it more difficultfor an applicant or
participant to escape domestic violence or that would unfairly penalize such
individuals who are or have been victimized by such violence or who are at risk of
further violence.
2. Requests for waivers of work requirements shall be submitted by the County to
the state department to determine whether good cause exists to grant good cause
waivers.
D. Voluntary and Confidential
All procedures for identifying eligibilityfor referrals to supportive services and waivers,
for applying for waivers, and the procedures by which an applicant or a participant who
is denied a waiver may appeal such decision shall be voluntary and confidential.
XV. Earned Income Tax Credit
Assistance shall be provided to help participants apply for and receive the earned income
tax credit.
XVI. Individual Development Accounts
Individual Development Accounts will be established for individuals upon request.
Individual Development Accounts may be used to set aside funds for home purchase,
business capitalization, or higher education in accordance with federal law.
Adopted by the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners
on this 20th day of November, 2001; AmenApril 15, 2003, April 13, 2004, April 26,
2005, and June 19, 2007.
AmWenconi, Chairman
Eagle County Board of Commissioners
J:\Self Sufficiency\Programs\publicasst\tanf\WORKS 2007 County Policies.DOC
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