New Jersey TANF/MOE Report

Office of Family Assistance

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2005
New Jersey

1. Definition of Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF) Work Activities

Most cash assistance recipients are required to participate in employment and work readiness activities. The following activities are provided in accordance with CFR 261.30:

• Unsubsidized employment: Employment in the private or public sector, which is not subsidized in any way.

Community Work Experience Program (CWEP): CWEP is utilized to provide work and training to enable the recipient to adjust to, and learn how to function in a public employment setting. CWEP placements are directed towards public agencies directly involved in useful public service areas, such as health, recreation, child and adult care, education, environmental protection, social services, etc.

Alternative Work Experience Programs (AWEP): AWEP consists of work and training for WFNJ/TANF recipients on a temporary basis with a public employer that provides a recipient with the experience necessary to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting and the opportunity to combine the work experience activity with an education activity, which may include English- as-a-Second-Language (ESL), substance abuse treatment as indicated in the treatment Plan, vocational exploration and/or job training.

Community Work Experience Program (CWEP): CWEP is utilized to provide work and training to enable the recipient to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting. Placements are with either a private non-profit or private charitable employer. CWEP placements are directed towards organizations and agencies directly involved in useful service areas, such as health, recreation, child and adult care, education, environmental protection, social services, etc. A CWEP participant is not placed with a private-for-profit employer.

Alternative Work Experience Programs (AWEP): AWEP consists of work and training for WFNJ/TANF recipients on a temporary basis with a private non-profit or private charitable employer that provides a recipient with the experience necessary to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting and the opportunity to combine the work experience activity with an education activity, which may include ESL, substance abuse treatment as indicated in the Treatment plan, vocational exploration and/or job training. An AWEP participant’s work experience placement shall not be with a private-for-profit employer.

Substance Abuse Treatment: This activity involves participation in both voluntary and mandatory substance abuse treatment programs. Participation in an approved substance abuse treatment program as determined by a trained substance abuse treatment care coordinator is considered a work activity for purposes of WFNJ. Substance abuse treatment occurs in concert with work preparation activities. Cooperation in substance abuse treatment is voluntary if the participant is not in sanction status.

Supported employment: Supported employment is an employment activity tailored to meet the needs of those recipients who demonstrate serious barriers to employment (such as learning disability or illiteracy, drug and alcohol problems, and/or physical/mental disabilities). Supported on-the-job employment opportunities and sheltered workshop approaches (modeled after successful programs in the mental health and developmental disabilities field) will serve persons with such barriers. When the participant is experiencing difficulties in the job, a job coach interacts with the participant and the employer to resolve problems that may affect the participant’s continued employment.

On-the-job training (OJT): OJT is an employment opportunity, which includes training. The participant is hired by a private or public employer, and receives training that provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job. At the end of the OJT, the participant shall be retained by the employer as a regular employee if the individual has made satisfactory progress during the OJT contract period.

Job search and job readiness assistance: Participants engage in employment-directed activities with the immediate goal of obtaining full-time employment. Job search is directed to the individual participant's needs and local job market conditions, and may serve participants in either group, individual, or self-directed job-seeking activities, or a combination thereof. Job search is an appropriate up-front activity for applicants, as well as for job-ready recipients who have basic workplace skills and experience applicable to the labor market. Job readiness activities such as life skills training, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence intervention may be combined with job search to enhance the effectiveness of job search activities for those in need of additional skills development or for those in later stages of treatment for domestic violence or substance abuse problems. Job search and job readiness activities are counted for a maximum of six weeks (four of which may be consecutive) unless New Jersey’s unemployment rate is 50 percent greater than the unemployment rate of the United States, in which case this activity may be extended to 12 weeks.

Community service programs: Community service programs are self-directed or scheduled preparatory work activities in which participants may provide an array of vital services designed to increase the common good and/or improve the condition of the community in which he or she resides. Examples include, but are not limited to, the provision of child care as a community service project, mentoring, tutoring, or other appropriate activities conducted under the auspices of organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Americorps, or Habitat for Humanity, physical or administrative labor performed on behalf of a community organization/group, and volunteer work in hospitals, battered women’s shelters, libraries, schools, or other such public institutions.

* Vocational educational training: This is an activity involving institutional or other classroom training conducted by an instructor in either a worksite or non-worksite setting. Participants receive instruction in specific occupational areas, which reflect the current local labor market demand. Providers of this type of activity include, but are not limited to, community based organizations, private-for-profits, community/county colleges, vocational-technical schools, Work Investment Boards, and adult high schools. This activity is not utilized for more than 12 months for any WFNJ/TANF individual.

* Provision of child care services: This activity involves the WFNJ/TANF cash assistance recipient in the direct provision of child care services to another WFNJ/TANF individual who is participating in a community service program or other State-approved employment-directed program.

* Job skills training directly related to employment: This is an activity tailored for those recipients who demonstrate serious barriers to employment (such as a learning disability or illiteracy, drug and alcohol problems, and/or physical/mental disabilities), and may include such activity components as pre-employment job coaching and mentoring (modeled after successful programs in the mental health and developmental disabilities field).

Education directly related to employment: This is an activity that is utilized in situations where a WFNJ/TANF recipient has not received a high school diploma or a general equivalence diploma (GED). The activity involves the participant in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalency, and is combined with community work experience participation or other approved work activities, including employment.

Work related educational enhancements: Work-related educational enhancements lead to recognized careers for which there is or will be a demand in the job market (as defined by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development), and include programs that are offered at community colleges as well as Post-secondary vocational training programs. Post-secondary education is directly related to work and is combined with approved work activities, including employment.

* Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence: This is an activity that is utilized in the case of a recipient who is a teenage parent or a recipient under the age of 19 who is expected to graduate or complete the course of study by his or her 19th birthday.

* The Post-WFNJ Referral Services program provides services to assist people who are no longer receiving WFNJ/TANF cash benefits.

Time-limited Services:

* Participants determined ineligible for cash benefits due to earned income, may be eligible for transitional services (child care services, AFDC Medicaid extension benefits and Post-TANF Food Stamp benefits categorical eligibility), for up to 24 consecutive months from the time their case closed as well as other services based on income.

* Participants, whose cases have closed for reasons other than employment, may become eligible for transitional services, once they are working, for the balance of their 24 month period from the time their case closed.

* The transitional support services that Post-TANF individuals may be eligible for are as follows:

Transitional Support Services Based on Income or Other Factors:

•New Jersey Family Care - Health insurance for children 18 years of age and younger;

• New Jersey Care Special Medicaid programs, including pregnant women and Medically Needy;

* The Extended WorkPass Program (EWP) is a collaboration between the Department of Human Services, the Department of Transportation, and New Jersey Transit (NJT) designed to help alleviate some of the transportation barriers faced by former WFNJ/TANF recipients and assist them in remaining employed.

The EWP provides up to six-months of transitional transportation benefits (i.e., NJT bus or rail passes) to an individual whose cash assistance has been terminated and who is deemed to be in need of transportation to get to employment.

A NJT monthly bus or rail pass is provided to employed Post-WFNJ/TANF individuals at no cost for up to six months.

Employed Post-WFNJ/TANF individuals whose cases have closed within the past 24 months may be eligible if they work at least 20 hours per week, at or above the minimum wage, and are deemed appropriate to receive a bus or rail pass.

It is not a requirement that the need for the bus or rail pass be within a consecutive six-month period. Also, if an individual returns to the WFNJ/TANF rolls within 24-months of case termination and once again is terminated due to employment, he/she may again be eligible for the EWP.

Those families whose WFNJ/TANF cash assistance is closed are eligible for up to at least 24 consecutive months of child care benefits from the date of the case closing, provided that they are employed. Funding for extended child care benefits for families with income levels of less than 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is provided through State Maintenance of Effort (MOE) moneys. Funding for extended child care benefits for Post-TANF families with income levels in excess of 250 percent of the FPL is provided through State-only moneys for up to 24 months from the date of case closing.

Child care and enhanced early childhood education services for Post-TANF and income eligible recipients are provided by a variety of providers, including but not limited to: publicly and/or privately funded non-profit child care centers and private for-profit child care centers licensed by DHS, before and after school child care for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs operated under the auspices of the Department of Education (DOE) and local school districts, family day care homes registered through the DHS and home based providers approved under the auspices of the DFD. Post-TANF families are also provided child care resource and referral services in addition to child care placement services.

Such child care is funded through various sources, including but not limited to: the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF); the Federal TANF and/or State MOE funds; the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG); as well as DOE State Aid Funding. For the TANF program, expended child care funds are tied to individual children, except for those children for whom services are provided through the DOE-sponsored before and after school child care for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. The before and after school child care for pre kindergarten and kindergarten programs operated under the auspices of the State DOE is funded by State MOE funds. As part of implementation of the Abbott vs. Burke Decision, New Jersey included a mandate that all 30 Abbott School districts are required to provide full-day, full year preschool for three- and four-year old children. This has been accomplished by utilizing existing early childhood and child care programs in the community, that are licensed child care centers (licensed by the DHS), that also choose to contract with an Abbott school District to provide Pre-Kindergarten educational services.

Extended Medicaid benefits are available through the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) to families who lose eligibility for AFDC-Related Medicaid due to employment-related criteria based on the income standards and methodologies in effect for the AFDC program as of July 16, 1996 and in accordance with the Title XIX State Plan. Extended AFDC-Related Medicaid benefits begin with the loss of WFNJ/TANF cash assistance only when that loss was coincident with the loss of Medicaid eligibility under the July 16, 1996 AFDC income standards and methodologies.

For those families who are no longer eligible for WFNJ/TANF due to increased child or spousal support, extended AFDC-Related Medicaid benefits are provided coincident with Title IV-A during the four calendar-month Post-WFNJ/TANF eligibility period.

Households with earned income whose TANF case closed in the past 24 months are eligible to receive Post-TANF Case Management Counseling Services (CMCS), provided that their income is less than 250 percent of the FPL. CMCS directs eligible Post-TANF households to those supportive services that may be beneficial to the household’s maintenance of active employment.

If an employed Post-TANF recipient with income levels of less than 250 percent of the FPL needs transportation supports to maintain employment, he or she will be eligible for a subsidized bus pass program and/or other transportation services after leaving cash assistance. In addition, income-eligible working families with income levels of less than 250 percent of the FPL will be eligible for transportation services to enable them to continue employment and/or avert welfare dependence.

The Supplemental Work Support Program is a voluntary program for TANF recipients who have been in receipt of benefits for at least the last six months and who during that time have been employed a minimum of 20 hours per week for at least four months. Although still eligible for a partial grant, these individuals may voluntarily close their TANF cases and receive a monthly supplemental work support payment of $200 to help offset the cost of working. By closing their case, these individuals will be able to maintain employment and not draw from their 60-month lifetime limit on receipt of TANF cash assistance benefits.

This support can be provided for up to 24 months so long as the assistance unit would have remained eligible to receive a partial assistance benefit but chooses to keep their TANF case closed or provided the assistance unit’s income is less than 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Supplemental work support payments are intended to cover transportation costs including car maintenance, auto insurance, parking costs, etc. for a vehicle used for work; child care costs over and above the amount paid through the Post-TANF transitional child care program, clothing and uniforms necessary for employment, meals at work, tools, equipment and materials incidental to the job, training costs above the amount provided through the Career Advancement Voucher Program, etc.

The Career Advancement Voucher Program (CAVP) is available to eligible Post TANF recipients who are employed and have expressed an interest in career advancement. The CAVP provides funds for educational or occupational training opportunities. The program is intended to foster career advancement for individuals who demonstrate that participation will result in a potential for growth in their current job or increased potential growth in a new job. Eligibility for this program is limited to Post TANF recipients whose cases have closed within the past 24 months and whose income is less than 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Child care support services may be available to eligible CAVP participants as a part of the Transitional Child Care (TCC) program.

New Jersey has enacted legislation (P.L. 2000, c.80, enacted August 14, 2000) to establish a New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. This program will further promote work and job retention by supplementing the incomes of low-income working families as they move up the career ladder and remain independent from public assistance. For purposes of the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Program and claiming of State MOE funds, the definition of a
“qualifying child” parallels that found in the Internal Revenue Code used for Federal Income Tax reporting purposes. The New Jersey EITC program is available to families with annual earned incomes of $20,000 or less.

Housing Subsidy Program

Employed current and Post-TANF recipients with earned income levels of up to 150 percent of the FPL, and who are spending 40 percent or more of their household income on rent, are eligible, subject to available funding, for the Housing Subsidy Program (HSP), a separate State program. Current TANF recipients must opt to close their TANF case in order to receive this subsidy. This service includes, in addition to ongoing rental assistance, a one-time payment of security deposits, moving expenses and utility deposits. Eligibility for this program continues until the recipient reaches 200 percent of the FPL. Months of receipt of HSP benefits do not count toward the 60-month lifetime limit.

The NJ Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is being operated in conjunction with the Department of Community Affairs and its designated entities. NJ IDAs are being made available to both TANF and Post-TANF recipients whose incomes are below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Client contributions are matched dollar for dollar up to specific amounts yearly for the purpose of saving for costs of a primary residence, Post-secondary education, and qualified business capitalization. Concurrent with the savings process, participants are required to attend a basic financial education course and an asset specific training program.

3. How a State will Reduce Assistance when an Individual Refuses to Engage in Work without Good Cause

The failure of a recipient to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities, without good cause, will result in a loss of cash assistance benefits.

In an assistance unit with a single adult or couple without dependent children or a single adult with dependent children, the person in noncompliance will be subject to a loss of cash assistance benefits as follows:

* The cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit will be reduced by the per capita share of the individual in noncompliance for a minimum period of one month.

* If an intent to comply is not demonstrated by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit amount will continue to be reduced by the calculated per capita share of the individual in noncompliance for up to two additional months. This will be applied as full month increments.

* If an intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the third month, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance benefits, and a reapplication will be required in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication the individual who was sanctioned for noncompliance will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply.

* A single custodial parent will not be sanctioned for failure to comply with a work requirement if the parent proves that failure to participate is due to lack of child care or suitable child care.

In a two-parent assistance unit with dependent children, the following sanctions will be applied for noncompliance:

* If one parent is in noncompliance, the cash assistance benefit amount provided to the assistance unit will be reduced by the calculated per capita share of that parent for a minimum of one month when the other parent is not otherwise participating in a work activity, or is not otherwise deferred.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit will continue to be reduced by the calculated per capita share of the parent in noncompliance for up to two additional months. This will be applied as full month increments.

* If an intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the third month, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance and a reapplication will be required by the assistance unit in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication the person who was sanctioned for noncompliance will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply.

When both parents are mandatory to participate and are in noncompliance, the following sanctions will apply:

* The cash assistance benefit amount provided to the assistance unit will be reduced by the calculated per capita share of both parents for a minimum of one month.

* If intent to comply by both parents is not evidenced by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit amount provided to the assistance unit will continue to be reduced by the calculated per capita share of both parents for up to two additional months. This will be applied as full month increments.

* If one parent evidences an intent to comply by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit amount provided to the assistance unit shall be reduced by the calculated per capita share of the parent that remains in noncompliance for up to two additional months (which shall be applied as full month increments).

* If an intent to comply by both parents is not evidenced by the end of the third month, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance and a reapplication will be required by the assistance unit in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication, parents who were sanctioned for noncompliance will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply.

If the noncompliance is due to the inaction of a minor parent in the assistance unit, sanctions will be applied as follows:

* The per capita share of the minor parent and of the minor parent's spouse, if any, in the assistance unit will be calculated and deducted from the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit for a minimum of one month.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the first-month period, the cash assistance benefit amount will continue to be reduced by the calculated per capita share of the minor parent and the minor parent's spouse, if any, for up to two additional months. This will be applied as full month increments.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the third month, the cash assistance benefit will be reduced by the per capita share of the minor parent and the minor parent's spouse, if any, in the assistance unit, as well as the dependent child of the minor parent in the assistance unit.

A dependent child 16 years of age or older who fails to comply with the requirement for school attendance or other work activity participation pursuant to this section will be sanctioned as follows:

* The per capita share of the dependent child will be calculated and deducted from the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit for one month.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit will continue to be reduced by the calculated per capita share of the dependent child for up to two additional months. This will be applied as full month increments.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the third month, the dependent child will be excluded from the assistance unit for cash assistance benefits until such time as the dependent child demonstrates willingness to comply.

A person sanctioned for a second offense pursuant to this subsection will be counseled by the county or municipal agency, as appropriate, prior to the reinstatement of eligibility for cash assistance benefits.

In an assistance unit with a single adult or couple without dependent children or a single adult with dependent children, the following second offense sanctions will apply:

* The cash assistance benefit amount provided to the assistance unit will be reduced by the per capita share of the person in noncompliance for a minimum period of one month.

* When the person in noncompliance evidences the intent to comply by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit will continue to be reduced by the per capita share of that individual for the following month. If intent to comply is not demonstrated by the end of the one month period, the entire assistance unit will be subject to a loss of cash assistance benefits for the following month.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the second month, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance benefits, and a reapplication will be required in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication the person who was sanctioned for noncompliance will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply prior to cash assistance being granted.

In a two-parent assistance unit with dependent children, the following second offense sanctions will apply:

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the one-month period, the entire assistance unit will be subject to a loss of cash assistance benefits for the following month.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the second month, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance benefits, and a reapplication will be required by the assistance unit in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication the person who was sanctioned for noncompliance will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply prior to cash assistance being granted.

When both parents are mandatory to participate and are in noncompliance, the following second offense sanctions will apply:

* The cash assistance benefit amount provided to the assistance unit will be reduced by the calculated per capita share of both parents in noncompliance for a minimum of one month.

* If intent to comply by both parents is not evidenced by the end of the one-month period, the entire assistance unit will be subject to a loss of cash assistance benefits for the following month.

* If intent to comply by both parents is not evidenced by the end of the second month, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance benefits, and a reapplication will be required by the assistance unit in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication both parents will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply prior to cash assistance being granted.

If the noncompliance is due to the inaction of a minor parent in the assistance unit, the following second offense sanctions will apply:

* The per capita share of the minor parent and the minor parent's spouse, if any, in the assistance unit will be calculated and deducted from the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit for a minimum of one month.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the one-month period, the cash assistance benefit amount will be reduced by the calculated per capita share of the minor parent and the minor parent's spouse, if any, in the assistance unit, as well as the dependent child of the minor parent in the assistance unit for the following month.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the second month, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit will continue to be reduced by the per capita share of the minor parent and the minor parent's spouse, if any, in the assistance unit, as well as the dependent child of the minor parent in the assistance unit until willingness to comply is evidenced.

A dependent child 16 years of age or older who is in noncompliance with the requirement for school attendance or other work activity participation pursuant to this section will be subject to the following second offense sanctions:

* The per capita share of the dependent child will be calculated and deducted from the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit for a minimum of two months.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the two-month period, the dependent child will be excluded from the assistance unit for cash assistance benefits, until such time as the dependent child demonstrates intent to comply.

Third offense sanctions and sanctions for all subsequent offenses beyond the third offense are as follows:

* The person(s) in noncompliance and all other members of the assistance unit will be subject to a loss of cash assistance benefits for a minimum of three months. (Exception: see below for dependent child third offense sanctions.)

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the three-month period, the assistance unit's case will be closed for cash assistance benefits and reapplication will be required by the assistance unit in order to receive cash assistance benefits. However, upon reapplication the person(s) sanctioned for noncompliance will be required to demonstrate a willingness to comply prior to cash assistance being granted.

Third offense sanctions for a dependent child 16 years of age or older who is in noncompliance with the requirement for school attendance or other work activity participation pursuant to this section will be as follows:

* The per capita share of the dependent child in noncompliance will be calculated and deducted from the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit for a minimum of three months.

* If intent to comply is not evidenced by the end of the three-month period, then the dependent child will be excluded from the assistance unit for cash assistance benefits.

An adult recipient who voluntarily quits a job, without good cause, will render the entire assistance unit ineligible for WFNJ cash assistance benefits for a period of two months from the date the determination is made that the recipient quit the job.

* When a WFNJ recipient reports the loss of earned income, the county agency, as appropriate, will determine if any adult household member has quit or terminated his or her most recent job without good cause.

* Changes in employment status that result from a permanent reduction in hours of employment while working for the same employer; terminating a failing self-employment enterprise; or resigning from a job at the demand of the employer will not be considered a voluntary quit.

The individual who voluntarily ceased employment will be responsible for providing the necessary information so that a good cause determination can be made. Good cause as it relates to voluntary cessation of work will exist when:

* Child care is necessary for a child under 13 years of age or for a special needs child up to the age of 18 and appropriate child care is not available.

* The employer has discriminated against the individual when a formal complaint, appeal, or lawsuit is pending and the State Department of Labor and Workforce Development or other appropriate source has verified this.

* Work demands render continued employment unreasonable, such as working without being paid on schedule.

* Work conditions are in violation of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and potentially pose a risk to an individual's health or safety.

* A resignation is recognized by the employer as retirement when the person is 60 years of age or older.

* An individual is prevented from working as a result of a lawful strike by other employees or lockout by the employer.

* The individual is physically or mentally unable (unfit) to perform the employment, as established by documentary medical evidence or verified information obtained from other sources.

* Circumstances beyond the individual's control prevent continued employment. Examples of these circumstances include:

• a change in shift or hours of employment causing the loss of the individual’s regular means of transportation (when transportation does not exist and is necessary);

• break down of transportation or child care arrangements, and client has demonstrated attempts to alleviate problems; or

• Problems caused by an inability to speak or write English as determined by the employer will constitute good cause.

• The individual is a victim of family violence and must leave the job because of harassment or threats by the batterer.

A record of the number of sanctions that have accrued to an assistance unit will be maintained. When no member of the assistance unit has incurred a sanction of any kind for a continuous 12-month period, the number of accrued sanctions will be reduced by one for that assistance unit. This sanction reduction provision will be applicable for each continuous 12-month period the members of an assistance unit remain sanction free. Periods in deferred status will not be counted as sanction free periods.

4. Child Care Services Made Through The Use of Disregards

New Jersey does not provide child care services through the use of disregards.

5. Strategies and Procedures to Ensure That Victims of Family Violence Receive Appropriate Services

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development entered into an extensive planning process with the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women (NJCBW) and its local Domestic Violence Agency providers to develop and implement a comprehensive Family Violence Option (FVO) process that focuses on the safety needs of affected family members. Integral to this initiative is a Risk Assessment process for those victims of family violence who request a waiver. The FVO risk assessment includes victim safety and service planning as well as availability and access to intervention services.

To implement the initiative selected County Welfare Agency (CWA) staff attended a 5-day training program developed and presented by the NJCBW. This comprehensive training prepared these individuals to act as FVO representatives in CWAs. Additionally, all CWA staff that have contact with clients were provided a ½ to one day long training instructing them on the dynamics of family violence.

The DFD through the NJCBW has contracted with the DHS’ designated DV core services programs and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division on Women’s (DOW) sexual assault service programs for the specific service of conducting standardized “FVO Risk Assessments” for the Initiative.

A mandated FVO Risk Assessment is conducted for every WFNJ individual requesting a waiver of a WFNJ program requirement(s) including child support “Good cause” exceptions, or requesting Emergency Assistance (EA) due to family violence concerns.

The process at each CWA consists of providing every individual who enters the CWA, including CWA employees upon their request, with the following:

* Information regarding the WFNJ TANF/GA applicant’s/recipient’s right to request a waiver, and identification of the WFNJ program requirements that may be waived; and

* A complete and clear explanation of the purpose and process for obtaining a waiver, including:

• Participation in the “Risk Assessment” process with a trained DV or sexual assault program assessor; and

In the FVO initiative, self-disclosure of family violence concerns are handled in a confidential and private manner by all agency staff. Self-disclosure of past or current family violence concerns by individuals is always a voluntary admission; and the decision to self-disclose is the individual’s alone to make. Self-disclosure may be revealed:

* At any time during the application or redetermination processes for WFNJ program benefits;

* During discussion with staff of the Substance Abuse Initiative (SAI), Substance Abuse Research Demonstration (SARD) or the Mental Health Initiative (MHI);

* At the time of sanctioning, when an individual is questioned on why and what concerns precluded their complying with WFNJ program requirements; or,

Self-disclosure does not necessarily mean that the WFNJ applicant/recipient does not wish to participate in work, work activity, or cooperate with child support requirements. Most individuals want to participate in work activities and cooperate with child support requirements, if it is safe to do so.

For WFNJ individuals that self-disclose family violence concerns and wish to engage in a work activity, his/her participation in family violence “intervention services” may be accessed in lieu of participating in work or a work activity; or may also be accessed while a WFNJ participant is participating in a work activity or is employed.

If an individual of any program administered by the CWA self-discloses family violence concerns to a CWA unit worker, that individual has the right to voluntarily discuss further any issues or requests for information about available community resources with an agency FVO Representative. Any WFNJ applicant/recipient who self-discloses family violence and requests a waiver of a WFNJ program requirement(s) shall be granted the waiver, by the WFNJ agency worker upon request, and must be referred to the CWA FVO Representative.

WFNJ/TANF applicants/recipients may request a waiver of the following WFNJ program requirements under the FVO:

* WFNJ work requirement (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-4.10(a)11);

* WFNJ time limit (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.4(a)5 and 2.5(a)4);

* Good cause exceptions for child support cooperation (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.5 and N.J.A.C. 10:110-9.5).

* Limitation on an increase of cash assistance benefits as a result of a child conceived as a result of domestic violence, rape or incest (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.18(a)4);

* Good cause exceptions for parent minor living arrangements (see N.J.A.C. 10:90-2.17(c)); and/or

* Residency requirements pertaining to qualified aliens;

A WFNJ applicant/recipient may request a waiver of a specific program requirement, or a combination of such requirements, as applicable to an individual’s particular circumstances.

The designated CWA worker is responsible for discussion of all related details concerning this process; granting the FVO waiver; and identifying the specific WFNJ program requirement(s) to be waived.

The domestic violence contracted service provider(s) shall report to the FVO Representative the results of the “FVO Risk Assessment” including safety and service planning needs, and/or intervention services for the WFNJ individual. That completed report serves to:

* Eliminate the need for any and all requests by CWA workers for corroborative evidence, as a program requirement for any WFNJ program, including child support (N.J.A.C. 10:90-16.5 and N.J.A.C. 10:110-9.5) and for WFNJ EA purposes (including TANF, GA, and SSI); and

* Confirm that a safety and/or service plan has been completed by the WFNJ applicant/recipient with the assistance of the contracted service provider assessor.

The standard turnaround time for completion of the risk assessment process by the contracted service provider(s) and response to the CWA FVO Representative, by returning the completed WFNJ FVO-115 signed by the WFNJ applicant/recipient, is 10 calendar days from the CWA referral date. There may be exceptions, based on individual applicant/recipient circumstances, to this standard response time. The FVO Representative shall share that information with the respective unit(s) staff handling that case at the WFNJ agency.

Each county follows the procedures established in its agency for the referrals of individuals to the CWA FVO Representative who coordinates the next steps with the person, as follows:

* Explain the significance of this specialized “risk assessment process” in that it focuses on the risks the violence poses for the client and any family members under his/her care;

* Give WFNJ individuals clear explanations of WFNJ program eligibility requirements and specific processes/steps the agency can take, that will allow the person to cooperate/participate with WFNJ program requirements so the individual can make an informed decision on how to proceed;

* Advise WFNJ individuals that a request for a waiver will require participation in a “risk assessment process” that helps the individual to assess the danger in his/her situation and to do safety and service planning with a trained individual in the DV or sexual assault area;

* Make the “formal” FVO referral, to the appropriate contracted service provider(s);

* Arrange for the WFNJ recipient to complete the mandated FVO Risk Assessment with the contracted service provider(s). The individual may complete the FVO Risk Assessment at the WFNJ agency, by telephone or other means as determined by the WFNJ agency in collaboration with its county contracted service provider(s), if extenuating circumstances involving safety considerations warrant such an arrangement;

* Advise WFNJ applicants/recipients that a re-evaluation of the safety and situational circumstances of the waiver request will be held at a minimum of every six months with the DV or sexual assault program risk assessor;

* Advise WFNJ applicants/recipients of the services available to victims, through the New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), and provide interested individuals with an ACP application package; and

* Advise WFNJ applicant/recipient that he/she may be eligible for unemployment benefits in accordance with N.J.A.C. 12:17-9.11(b).

As of September 30th, the aggregate number for the total number of good cause domestic violence waivers granted is 1168.

Certain temporary services will be available to a WFNJ TANF recipient, in support of the recipient’s efforts to work. These services will be provided only as a last resort, when no other source of support is available.

* WFNJ/TANF recipients are eligible for a work-related allowance limited to a lifetime maximum of $500 and paid for work-related expenses, such as, but not limited to, clothing (uniforms), car maintenance, tools, supplies, licenses, and testing fees.

* Subject to approval, an additional amount, not to exceed $300 over the lifetime of the case, may be provided, based on the assessment of individual needs and circumstances. These needs and circumstances include, but are not limited to, the demonstrated need to purchase special tools, or maintain the car, which provides transportation to employment.

* The agency may provide an amount in excess of the maximum, based on the agency’s assessment of individual needs and circumstances. Under no circumstances will an additional allowance exceed $300 over the lifetime of the case.

* Subject to approval, and in the absence of any other means, a one-time moving expense allowance, not to exceed $500, may be provided over the lifetime of the TANF case if:

• The recipient has a firm offer of employment in a location outside of the county or municipality in excess of 30 miles of the recipient’s current residence; and

• This allowance is in addition to the $500 work-related allowance authorized above.

* The Early Employment Initiative (EEI) is a concentrated job search/placement strategy to provide families meeting certain criteria an opportunity to regain independence and self-sufficiency through unsubsidized employment.

* EEI provides up-front, short-term financial assistance and requires the adult member(s) of families to cooperate and actively participate in the initiative for a minimum of 15 days to a maximum of up to 30 days. This participation is a condition of eligibility for the WFNJ/TANF program and is done at the same time as the eligibility determination.

* An adult WFNJ/TANF applicant meeting all of the following criteria will be deemed mandatory for EEI participation:

• has a work history that equals or exceeds four months of full-time employment in the last 12-month period;

• appears to meet all financial and non-financial WFNJ eligibility requirements, including initial cooperation with child support, and is considered an eligible candidate for receipt of WFNJ cash assistance;

• does not meet the criteria for a deferral from the work requirements under the WFNJ program.

* A determination is made as to whether or not any adult member of an applicant family meets the EEI eligibility criteria on the same day the WFNJ/TANF application is taken;

* If an individual is determined EEI eligible and, thereafter, has a change in circumstances placing the family in immediate need prior to the expiration of the minimum 15 day participation period, the family will be referred to the WFNJ county agency for an immediate need determination. Such individuals will be considered as having met their EEI participation requirement.

* Participation in the EEI is subject to the availability of slots at the EEI entity. However, the lack of an EEI slot will not delay the processing of the WFNJ/TANF application. If an EEI slot is not available, the WFNJ agency will not screen any applicant for participation in the EEI, and participation in the EEI will not be considered an eligibility requirement for applicants.

* A WFNJ/TANF adult applicant who does not meet the work history criteria above for mandatory EEI participation may volunteer if the adult:

• has a work history that equals or exceeds four consecutive weeks of employment within the 52 weeks prior to applying for WFNJ cash assistance or has a high school diploma or a GED; and

* Applicants who volunteer and are eligible for participation will be considered a mandatory EEI participant and will be obligated to comply with all the provisions of the EEI program.

* The EEI participant will be referred to the Unified Child Care Agency (UCCA) for Post-EEI child care service arrangements and to the agency responsible for providing the up-front job search/placement service for development of an EEI plan. This plan will identify the dates and times of the activities, as well as the desired employment goal, and will state whether an activity support payment is to be provided to cover necessary employment-related expenses to enable participation in the job search/placement activity.

* EEI participants will be required to comply with all aspects of the cooperation and participation provisions of the EEI program initiative, unless good cause exists.

* If the participant fails to cooperate with the terms of the EEI without good cause, a notice will be sent to the family advising that its application for cash assistance is being denied because of noncooperation and that reapplication for WFNJ/TANF benefits will be required. This notice will also include the family's right to a fair hearing.

* When the EEI participant secures employment and the applicant family withdraws the WFNJ application, the participant’s family will receive a one-time lump sum payment to cover expenses necessary to avoid loss of housing or other employment-related expenses necessary to enable the employed individual to continue to engage in his/her employment. The participant’s family is also eligible for up to two years of child care and up to 24 months of extended Medicaid benefits, as appropriate.

The TANF funded Social Services for the Homeless (SSH) program is intended for those families not receiving cash assistance or SSI. SSH services may be provided to families for no more than four consecutive months.

TANF funds are utilized in the SSH program to provide the following short term emergency services to families with incomes below 250% of the FPL who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless:

DHS provides the State Department of Community Affairs and local Public Housing Authorities in New Jersey with funds to cover the cost of security deposits, utility deposits, and moving expenses for WFNJ families who have transitioned from welfare to work and are eligible to receive HUD Section 8 rental subsidies.

* WFNJ legislation affords additional protections to current workers by providing that a recipient of benefits under WFNJ will not displace a regular employee by being placed or utilized in a position at a particular workplace:

• that had been previously filled by a regular employee, but now the position or a substantially similar position at that workplace is vacant through a demotion, reduction of hours or a layoff of a regular employee in the previous 12 months or was eliminated in the previous 12 months;

• in a manner that infringes upon a wage rate or an employment benefit or violates the contractual overtime provisions of a regular employee at that workplace;

• in a manner that violates an existing collective bargaining agreement or a statutory provision that applies to that workplace;

• in a manner that supplants or duplicates a position in an existing approved apprenticeship program;

• through an employment agency or temporary help service firm as a community work experience or alternative work experience worker;

• if there is a contractual or statutory recall right to that position at that workplace; and

* WFNJ legislation also provides for a complaint resolution procedure to allow an opportunity for the person or the organization that represents the collective bargaining unit to meet with a designee of the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development or the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.

* The legislation stipulates that the designee of the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development or the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations will attempt to resolve the complaint of the alleged violation within 30 days of the date of the request for the meeting. In the event that the complaint is not resolved within the 30-day period, the complainant may appeal to the New Jersey State Board of Mediation in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for expedited binding arbitration, the cost of which will be borne equally by both parties to the dispute.

8. Programs and Activities Directed at Third and Fourth TANF Statutory Purposes

* Prevention of out of wedlock pregnancy is one of the four purposes of the TANF program. By providing comprehensive, coordinated integrated services, the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) has been successful in reducing teen pregnancy. Research shows that the adolescent most likely to give birth has a combination of problems including poor academic achievement, physical and sexual abuse, and generational substance abuse. Programs with the capacity to address these realities will succeed in reducing adolescent pregnancy.

* The SBYSP offers comprehensive services that are successful in addressing the issues of teen pregnancy. For example, the Pinelands SBYSP reduced the average teen births from 22 per year to an eight-year consistent average of three births per year. Utilizing this model, the Camden SBYSP saw the rate of births to adolescents drop by 29% over eight years, which is twice the national average. In addition, the teen parenting programs offered by SBYSP have almost a 100% success rate for participating parents in areas such as graduation from high school, obtaining employment, attending college, and avoiding second pregnancies.

* The SBYSP program provides a comprehensive set of services in 44 urban, rural, and suburban school districts, with at least one site in each of the 21 counties. Each site provides connections to health care (including family planning), mental health, and family counseling, job and employment training, and substance abuse counseling, recreation and referral services. Programs operate before, during, and after school, and during the summer.

* Several years ago, during the planning stages for welfare reform, the New Jersey Department of Human Services established a Breaking the Cycle Taskforce. From this taskforce, the WFNJ Inter-Departmental Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Work Group was formed to address the issues of adolescent pregnancy prevention. This subcommittee had three main areas of focus:

• Collaboration and support for adolescent pregnancy prevention efforts across the various state departments of Human Services, Health and Senior Services, Juvenile Justice Commission, Labor and Workforce Development, Education, and Community Affairs;

• Establishment of mentoring programs targeted towards youth identified as at-risk for adolescent pregnancy, known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (APPI), with the goal of reducing out of wedlock births to adolescents; and

• Mobilizing stakeholders statewide to work together in the promotion of public relations campaigns and activities to prevent adolescent pregnancies.

* The APPI initiative is designed to fund adolescent pregnancy prevention efforts. APPI currently funds 16 programs which target teens most at-risk of pregnancy and provide mentoring, family life education, and other support services through coordinated/collaborative partnerships.

* Although all of the programs focus on preventing first pregnancies, a few of the programs also focus on the prevention of subsequent pregnancies and some also serve males. In addition, the Work Group provides its support to programs that counsel young women who might be victims of statutory rape.

* New Jersey established an Advisory Council on Adolescent Pregnancy to develop a prevention and education outreach strategy for adolescents. The Council is also charged with reviewing and developing policies that will prevent adolescent pregnancy and out of wedlock births, and improves services to at-risk, pregnant, and parenting adolescents.

* The Council’s membership includes representatives from the New Jersey Departments of Human Services, Health and Senior Services, Education, Community Affairs, and Labor and Workforce Development. Public membership in the Council includes representation from community-based religious organizations, and the health, social service, and education communities. Services recommended by this Advisory Council are funded with Federal TANF and State MOE moneys.

* A toll-free Hotline, 1-800-THE-KIDS, was established to take calls 24 hours per day on teen issues, specifically teen pregnancy prevention.

* Other specific activities include Posters and public service announcements promoting the Hotline, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Month activities at the State and local level, and the staffing of an interactive web-site (www.sxetc.org).

* Preventing Teenage Pregnancy through Parent Minor Provisions - In addition to complying with all of the nonfinancial eligibility requirements, applicants/recipients who are:

• the natural parents of the dependent child; and

• are caring for the dependent child

• reside in a home maintained by, and have benefits paid to the applicant’s or recipient’s parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative; and

• regularly attend a high school or equivalency program of study; or engage in a work activity if the applicant or recipient has completed secondary education.

• An alternate adult-supervised living arrangement is required for a parent-minor if, during the application or eligibility process, it is determined that the parent-minor and/or the dependent child would be subject to situations such as abuse, neglect or threats to their emotional or physical safety by residing in the home of the parent, legal guardian or other adult relative;

• An alternative educational or training program for an applicant or recipient parent-minor is permitted if, based upon an assessment of the person’s ability and aptitude, it is determined that the parent-minor lacks a reasonable prospect of being able to successfully complete the academic requirements of a high school or equivalency program of study.

* Failure of the parent-minor to cooperate with the nonfinancial eligibility requirements and the parent-minor provisions renders only the parent-minor and the parent-minor’s child ineligible for WFNJ/TANF cash assistance, not the entire assistance unit with whom the parent-minor resides.

Independent Living Skills Training/Supports are provided to youth who have aged out of the Division of Youth and Family Services’ care. The skills training and supports will enable these youth to become self-sufficient. The primary focus of the training program is pregnancy prevention. To support pregnancy prevention the youth are provided with skills to enhance their independence, including money management, employment directed skills and good decision making. Also, one-time services or goods that will help the youth become employed or go back to school are also provided. For example, the youth may be provided with services to assist in finding a place to live and transportation to secure housing or employment or even initial basic furniture purchase. Other items that facilitate independence such as payment for driving lessons or car insurance can also be provided. However, to receive these funds, the youth must first participate in life skill education that teaches pregnancy prevention.

One of the first items of business for the WFNJ Interdepartmental Work Group on Adolescent Pregnancy was statutory rape. The Work Group has committed itself to support the efforts by the Division on Women and NJ Law Enforcement agencies to provide education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded in scope to include men.

Within the Division on Women, the Office of the Prevention of Violence Against Women (OPVAW) provides legislative analysis, public education, and policy and program development on issues of violence against women, including statutory rape. The OPVAW also houses grant programs related to violence against women such as the State Rape Care Program, which provides funding for a rape crisis program in each county. Other grant programs housed in the OPVAW include Prevention of Violence Against Women Grants and Police Training Grants.

The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA) is the collective voice for rape crisis centers and victims of sexual assault in New Jersey. The NJCASA offers free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be accessed through the State’s hotline number (1-800-601-7200) or each county’s rape crisis hotline.

The NJCASA has launched several public information campaigns, which include TV Public Service Announcements (PSAs), radio PSAs, billboards throughout the State and Posters distributed to medical and law enforcement agencies (as well as to other organizations). The NJCASA launched a statewide public education campaign in 2000 called “Begin By Believing.” This campaign is meant to dispel some of the myths about sexual assault, such as the myth that most rapes are ”stranger rapes” when, in fact, most rapes are perpetrated by someone known to the victim, and also to introduce NJCASA’s services to anyone in the State who might need them. To that purpose, NJCASA created a hotline number and a website, distributed brochures, and developed a number of outreach programs to raise awareness about sexual assault issues.

The NJCASA provides Sexual Assault Reduction Educators who speak to high school students about preventative measures, what to do if they should become victimized, and some self-defense techniques. The NJCASA provides spokespersons for workshops and community groups as well as for testifying to the State legislature. The NJCASA’s work with men addressing male accountability regarding violence against women is gaining national attention.

The NJCASA works to encourage legislation for the compassionate and just treatment of the victims of sexual violence. At this time there are several bills being considered by the New Jersey State Legislature that address statutory rape issues which are being supported by the NJCASA, including mandatory life imprisonment for certain sexual assaults upon a minor.

The NJCASA also provides victims of sexual assault with a professionally trained rape care advocate to offer support to the victim during law enforcement interviews and/or medical examinations. The advocate ensures that counsel and necessary legal services are provided to young women and their families to encourage and support court testimony.

Early Start is an initiative designed to reduce repeated teen pregnancies, promote child/family literacy and increase parent-child interaction in an effort to prevent child abuse and neglect in New Jersey’s most at-risk families.

Early Start vendors will provide a host of in-home services including counseling services that focus on teen pregnancy prevention, parenting/child development skills, client assessment, and screening, enrollment in Family Care, promoting the Early Start Initiative and establishing referral packages.

Early Start will prepare at-risk children between 0-3 for preschool (primarily in Abbott Districts) through the delivery of intensive, in-home services by local community providers using a home visitation model. In addition, distribution of Healthy Baby Kits to At-risk families, Early Childhood Development tools, and in-home child care training are also provided as part of this initiative.

The five essential components of New Jersey Youth Corps are community service projects, personal and career counseling, employability and life skills, education development and continuing support services. Through these comprehensive services offered by New Jersey Youth Corps, pregnancy prevention services are provided to youth who are either at risk of pregnancy or who are teen parents at risk of subsequent pregnancies. The Youth Corps assists youth by promoting education and self-esteem, employability and self-sufficiency.

Strong recreation programs can play a vital role in preventing teen pregnancy. Ted Flickinger, Ph.D., has written: “Research shows that the highest crime and teen pregnancy rates occur between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., when youth are oftentimes unsupervised and working parents are not at home….Especially between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., kids need constructive outlets for their energy and talents….Providing organized, supervised recreation programs keeps kids out of trouble, plus it enriches their lives and points them toward a healthier and more productive future.” (Illinois Parks & Recreation Volume 29, Number 4, 1998.)

The Youth Programs in the Jersey City Armory work to prevent teen pregnancy by providing wholesome recreational activities for young persons in a supervised setting. Using the vast facilities available in the Jersey City Armory, the programs provide opportunities for 14 to 17 year olds to participate in a variety of sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and tennis. Non-sporting activities include tutoring, computers, arts and crafts, and board games. Summer activities are offered to pre-teens age 8-13 as a way of cultivating life-long habits that will eventually reduce the young persons’ risk for teen pregnancy.

Fourth TANF Purpose: Encourage the Formation and Maintenance of Two-
Parent Families

New Jersey operates a comprehensive State-funded program to support marriage and two-parent families by providing the same services and employment and work activities as those provided to TANF eligible families. Non-financial and financial eligibility is consistent with federal TANF and WFNJ criteria.

In WFNJ, individuals who marry cash assistance recipients are not held financially responsible for the recipient’s children. This promotes marriage and stabilizes families.

If the step-parent’s income causes the assistance unit to become ineligible, or if the step-parent is non-needy, the step-parent, as well as the step-parent’s natural or adoptive children and the WFNJ recipient parent are excluded from the eligible assistance unit; therefore, the assistance unit consists only of the WFNJ children.

New Jersey is taking advantage of the valuable resources that lie within local communities by forming a close alliance with houses of worship and other faith-based organizations. Through the WFNJ Faith-based Organizations Task Force, we are working to expand the support base that is available for families.

Through a statewide survey conducted of more than 6,000 religious congregations and houses of worship, the Task Force has developed an inventory of the social services, which Faith-based organizations provide to New Jersey’s welfare population and the working poor. Ongoing efforts are directed toward assisting the faith community in enhancing or expanding available supports to families in need, in coordination with a broad network of government and private sector service providers. Faith-based services are provided for families with income of less than 250 percent of the FPL.

* New Jersey’s efforts in the area of absent parents includes but is not limited to:

• family revitalization efforts such as substance abuse counseling and/or treatment and abusive relationship counseling to strengthen family relationships.

* Work is being done with the prisons and county jails as well as inner city community groups to reach the non-custodial parents.

* The goal of this effort is not only to assist absent parents to meet their child support obligations but to enable them to become meaningful, active and positive participants in their children’s lives. This will be achieved by engaging these individuals in improvement activities on both the employment and personal levels. Fatherhood initiatives for cash assistance recipients who are absent fathers and members of WFNJ/TANF families are funded through Federal TANF.

* Services for non-custodial fathers who are not members of the WFNJ/TANF family are funded with State only funds.

Having enough food is a prerequisite to strengthening family relationships. A couple consumed with the daily fear of being on the verge of hunger will not be able to dedicate themselves to bettering their home life for their children and making a permanent life together.

The goals of the New Jersey Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program are to improve the health and nutritional status of New Jersey families with children in need of food assistance; to support the efforts of emergency food programs to reduce hunger; and to enable families to become food secure and self sufficient. There are three components to this program:

• The first component of the program includes funding to six food banks operated by community agencies to provide products normally unavailable through food banks, including meat and dairy products, to families with dependent children. The eligibility criterion is 250 percent of the FPL. The benefits are limited to four months in 12 months.

• The second component of the program is the New Jersey Cooperative Gleaning Project. This special project with New Jersey’s Department of Agriculture promotes healthy diets for disadvantaged families through local hunger relief organizations. Funds are used to provide fresh fruit, vegetables, and education about the importance of a nutritious diet, food safety, storage, and preparation to needy families. Families with dependent children who have an annual household gross income of less than 250 percent of the FPL are eligible for this program. Benefits are limited to four months. Fiscal information is provided to the Division of Family Development monthly.

• The third component of the program is to enhance the performance of emergency food programs in New Jersey. Food service providers are concerned that many who are in need of assistance from food providers do not take advantage of these services. To remedy this situation, strategies are developed to increase utilization rates. To this end, a survey of needy families with children will be performed to enhance understanding of food sources and human need for food in New Jersey.

The survey will aim to determine how utilization rates can be improved, and how outreach efforts can become more successful. The results of this survey will be immediately disseminated to food service providers to increase the effectiveness of these organizations.

9. Estimated Number of Individuals who have Participated in Subsidized Private Employment

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

The purpose of this program is detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 7-16).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$66,749,106^*

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $66,749,106^*

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
45,898

This last figure represents (check one):

_X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.(Sept. 2004)
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

^*TANF and MOE funds are commingled for this category with the exception of the expenditures for the Separate State Program (State Only WFNJ Program for Two-Parent Families); therefore, the eligibility is consistent with Federal TANF and WFNJ criteria.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

This purpose of this program is detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 27-28).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$26,374,178

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $26,374,178

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
8,274 (children)

This last figure represents (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

TANF and MOE funds are commingled for this category with the exception of the expenditures for the Separate State Program (State Only WFNJ Program for 2-Parent Households); therefore, the eligibility is consistent with Federal TANF and WFNJ criteria. The maximum allowable MOE that can be claimed for the Child Care category is $26,374,178.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Other Supportive Services (Assistance)

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

This program is described in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 20-21).

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The purpose of this program is detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 20-21).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$3,778,426^*

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,778,426^*

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
45,898

This last figure represents (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.(Sept. 2004)
___ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

^*TANF and MOE funds are commingled for this category with the exception of the expenditures for the Separate State Program (State Only WFNJ Program for Two-Parent Families); therefore, the eligibility is consistent with Federal TANF and WFNJ criteria.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

The purposes of these programs are detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 17, 18).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$406,117^*

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $406,117^*

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 151

This last figure represents (check one):

_X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.(Sept. 2004)
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

^*TANF and MOE funds are commingled for this category with the exception of the expenditures for the Separate State Program (State Only WFNJ Program for Two-Parent Families); therefore, the eligibility is consistent with Federal TANF and WFNJ criteria.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

The purposes of these programs are detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 16-19).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$19,286,684^*

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $19,286,684^*

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
15,014

^*TANF and MOE funds are commingled for this category with the exception of the expenditures for the Separate State Program (State Only WFNJ Program for Two-Parent Families); therefore, the eligibility is consistent with Federal TANF and WFNJ criteria.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

The purpose of this program is detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (see page 29).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$471,429

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $471,429

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
865

This last figure represents (check one):

__X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.(Sept.2004)
_____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

See page 29 of the NJ TANF State Plan.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Prevention of Out-Of-Wedlock Pregnancies-
Contracted Payments for Full Day/Full Year Early Childhood Education

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

This program is described in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 27, 28 and 54-56).

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The purpose of the program is described in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 27, 28 and 54-56).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$54,067,712

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $54,067,712

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 26,512

This last figure represents (check one):

_X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year. (Sept. 2004)
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility criteria described in NJ TANF State Plan (see page 54-56).

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _____ No _X__

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

This program is described in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 27,28 and 45-47).

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

The purpose of the program is described in the NJ TANF State Plan (see pages 27, 28 and 45-47).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (i.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$284,806,871

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $256,103,390

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 53,062

This last figure represents (check one):

___X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year. (Sept. 2004)
_____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

Eligibility criteria described in NJ TANF State Plan (see page 47).

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Administration

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

The Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) is the agency responsible for supervising the WFNJ/TANF program at the State level. WFNJ/TANF is administered at the local level by the 21 county agencies, under DFD supervision and through contracts for services.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

To provide for a smarter and more efficient administration of all elements of the service delivery system.

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$14,684,329

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $14,684,329

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
N/A

This last figure represents (check one):

________ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.(Sept. 2004)
________ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

N/A

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Systems

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

Federal TANF and State MOE funds are utilized to support automated systems development and operations to support our TANF program. Including our FAMIS, OMEGA, and Families First EBT systems.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

To provide for a smarter and more efficient administration of all elements of the service delivery system.

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$1,783,962

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,783,962

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
N/A

This last figure represents (check one):

____ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.(Sept.2004)
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

N/A

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

Yes _X_ No ____

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

This program includes Education and Outreach efforts which are described in the NJ TANF State Plan. (See page 26)

The purposes of this program is detailed in the NJ TANF State Plan (See page 26).

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$834,022

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $834,022

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
3,738 WFNJ applicant approved for month of September 2004 however, since outreach efforts are performed through brochures, posters, public services announcements and other media with the intent to inform the public about all support programs that are available to potential WFNJ/TANF recipients; the exact number of families served is virtually unknown.

This last figure represents (check one):

__X__ The average monthly total for the fiscal year. (Sept. 2004)
_____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

*TANF and MOE funds are commingled for this category; therefore, the eligibility is consistent with Federal TANF and WFNJ criteria.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995. _________________________
(NOTE: provide only if the response to question 10 is No.)

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."

Provide the following information for EACH PROGRAM for which the State claims MOE expenditures.

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program:

Supporting Two-Parent Families*

2. Description of the Major Program Benefits, Services, and Activities:

New Jersey operates a comprehensive State funded two parent program to support marriage and two parent families.

3. Purpose(s) of Benefit or Service Program:

To provide assistance to needy families, end dependence of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work, marriage and maintain two parent families.

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 in the SSP-MOE program (I.e., Complete only if this program is a separate State program):

Work Activities are the same as TANF Program.

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$12,114,048

7. Total State Expenditures Claimed as MOE under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $12,114,048

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds:
1,986

This last figure represents (check one):
__X_ The average monthly total for the fiscal year. (Sept 2004)
____ The total served over the fiscal year.

9. Eligibility Criteria for Receiving MOE-funded Benefits or Services under the Program:

See NJ TANF State Plan page 8.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Was this program authorized and allowable under prior law (i.e., as defined at §260.30)? (check one)

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State's criteria for "eligible families."