Colorado TANF/MOE Report

Office of Family Assistance

Annual Report on State TANF and MOE Programs - 2004
Colorado

Administration for Children and Families
Office of Family Assistance
Aerospace Building, 5th Floor
370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447

Re: 2004 Annual Report on TANF and State MOE programs Update

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed please find the Colorado Works/TANF Annual Report and ACF-204 for 2004 for Colorado’s State Maintenance-of-Effort TANF Program. If you have any questions, please call Dan Daly at 303-866-5821.

Sincerely,

Kevin R. Richards
Director, Colorado Works

Enclosures
cc: Thomas F. Sullivan, Regional Administrator
ACF Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Family Assistance
1961 Stout Street, Room 926
Denver, CO 80294-3538

Attachment A

The following is submitted to fulfill the requirement of 45 CFR 265.9 to file an annual report on TANF and State MOE programs. Colorado is filing its plan as a separate annual report. Separate ACF-204 forms are also attached for each program area for which Colorado is claiming MOE expenditures.

Background

The Colorado Works Program Act implemented the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Colorado, and began operation in 63 counties in July 1997. Colorado since added a 64th county that also implements the TANF program. The Colorado Works Act gives the State of Colorado the authority it needs to meet federal welfare reform requirements, but also devolves most of the decision-making responsibility and authority for designing welfare reform in Colorado down to the county level. There are some statewide standards, which include:

• Eligibility standards for basic cash assistance;

• Standards for the amount of basic assistance;

• Requirements for Maintenance of Effort (MOE); and

• Standards for meeting any requirement of federal law.

Beyond these requirements, county governments have the authority and flexibility to design welfare reform programs that meet the needs of their local communities. As a result, policies that are not subject to the limited conditions described above may vary widely from county to county. Colorado’s responses to each of the sub-paragraphs under 45 CFR 265.9 (b) are described below.

1. Work Activity [265.9(b)(1)]

In Colorado, work activities are defined as follows:

Unsubsidized employment is part-time or full-time work for wages which the employer pays in total. Employment may occur with any profit, non-profit, or private employer.
Subsidized private sector employment is part-time or full-time work with any private sector employer for which wages are paid by the employer and for which the employer receives a subsidy.

Subsidized public sector employment is part-time or full-time work with any public sector employer for which wages are paid by the employer and for which the employer receives a subsidy.

Work experience is unpaid work experience in any non-profit, public, or for profit organization or such work experience in combination with a training or education plan. If combining training or education, such training or education activities may not exceed 35% of the scheduled hours per week. Participation in this activity must enhance a participant's employability, offer exploration in a new career, or strengthen their existing work history.

On-The-Job-Training is a subsidized work activity. Participation in this activity offers the opportunity to learn a new trade in a supportive environment, while transitioning into a regular, unsubsidized employee status. On-The-Job-Training may be subsidized through Workforce Investment Act (WIA), U.S. Department of Labor Welfare-to-Work Program, Colorado Works, or another training program.

Job search and job readiness assistance. Job search may be conducted in either a group or individual setting and may include employer contacts either in person, by telephone, or by electronic methods.

Community service programs. Community service is an unpaid activity in which the participant provides a service to the community at large. This includes programs such as AmeriCorps, Job Corps, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). Counties may define, in their county performance plan, additional community service program activities that may include a combination of community service and education, training, or family stability or enhancement activities. If combining education, training, or family stability/enhancement activities, such activities may not exceed 35% of the scheduled hours per week.

Vocational educational training is a short-term educational activity intended to prepare an individual for employment. Vocational educational training shall not exceed twelve (12) months with respect to any individual. Providers of this training include, but are not limited to, community colleges, post secondary institutions, proprietary schools, and non-profit organizations.
The provision of child care services to a participant in a community service program. Child care provided to individuals in community service must adhere to established child care licensing rules and statutes.

Job skills training directly related to employment is vocational, educational, or technical training designed to meet the labor market needs of the local community, including any assistance in providing soft skills to enhance overall employability, such as exposure to job-seeking skills, resume writing, improved job retention, conflict management, goal setting, and self esteem building.

Education directly related to employment is for those participants who have not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency.
Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence is for those participants who have not completed secondary school or received such a certificate.

2. Transitional Services [265.9(b)(2)]

While continuing to serve participants on cash assistance, the Colorado Works program recognizes the need to increasingly focus attention on serving low-income, working Coloradoans in an effort to provide low-income working families with opportunities for self-sufficiency. We have made significant strides toward serving working families who are no longer receiving cash assistance by providing transitional work-supports such as medical benefits, food stamps, child care, and job retention and advancement services such as case management and job-coaching.

Health Insurance

Transitional Medicaid benefits will be provided to families who become ineligible for basic cash assistance due to an increase in earnings. Families may receive up to 12 months of Transitional Medicaid benefits after becoming ineligible. In order to qualify for Transitional Medicaid, the family must have received Section 1931 medical benefits for at least 3 of the previous 6 months and the family must have lost Section 1931 medical benefits due to earnings as described above. Children in families not eligible for Transitional Medicaid are reviewed for eligibility under other categories of medical assistance such as Baby Care Kids Care and Child Health Plan +.

Child Care

Participants of Colorado Works who are receiving basic cash assistance and who have a need for child care will receive child care through the county department of social services. Once a participant is no longer eligible for basic cash assistance, they are still eligible to apply for and receive low-income child care through their county’s diversion program or child care program based on their income.

Transportation

In 1999 a partnership was formed between the Colorado Works Program and the Colorado Department of Transportation to assist counties with their application for the Federal Transit Authority’s Access to Jobs program. Six locations received funding in the first round of applications. Since that time, a partnership with the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) was established to allow for the centralized coordination and administration of JARC grants. CASTA is well experienced in this area as the administrator for all other transportation grants for Colorado. The 2004 grant process was delayed due to a prolonged reauthorization process for FTA Programs. CASTA received 8 applications and in December of 2004 a preliminary allocation was announced for 2005 with a total award of $3,195,297 for Colorado. These funds will be available for up to three years to the JARC Group members as well as other coalition members who may apply.

Food Stamps

Colorado has worked to ensure continuation of food stamp benefits as clients leave the Colorado Works program by informing clients of their eligibility even after termination.

Other Post-Employment Supports

Through the use of County Diversion, counties are authorized to provide participants who exit basic cash assistance any other services that will help them remain employed, including skills training, supportive services (office clothing, uniforms, or tools), and housing assistance (rent, deposit on a new apartment, or moving expenses). This type of assistance may be in the form of retention bonuses awarded to participants who retain employment for a specific number of months, or may be provided to participants for specific items. These types of services and benefits are at a county’s option and in accordance with individual county policies.

Case Management

Governor Owens’ Task Force on Welfare Reform found that the case management relationship should not end when the Colorado Works participant becomes employed. Since counties cannot count these working families in their work participation rate unless they are receiving assistance, there may be a disincentive to provide this critical post-employment link. Nevertheless, many counties in Colorado provide some follow-up case management to employed participants who are no longer receiving assistance. The duration of these services varies by county.

3. Reduction in Assistance [265.9(b)(3)]

Without good cause, participants are required to engage in work activities as outlined in their Individual Responsibility Contract (IRC). Failure of a participant to meet the terms of their IRC, including any provisions related to engaging in work activities, results in a sanction of the basic assistance grant. The first sanction is twenty-five percent (25%) of the assistance unit’s cash benefit and remains in effect until the cause of the sanction is cured, but not less than one month and not more than three months as determined by each county. Sanctions not cured by the end of this time period progress to the next sanction level.

The second sanction is fifty percent (50%) of an assistance unit’s cash benefit and remains in effect until the cause of the sanction is cured, but not less than one month and not more than three months as determined by each county. Sanctions not cured by the end of the second sanction period progress to the final sanction level, which is a termination of an assistance unit’s cash benefit. The third level sanction remains in place until the cause of the sanction is cured, but the minimum sanction period shall be not less than three months and not more than six months as determined by the county.
If the person agrees to comply with the work requirement after the end of the third sanction period, a new assessment and IRC must be completed prior to resuming receipt of assistance. Any sanctions subsequent to the third sanction are at the third sanction level.

Colorado statute and regulations allow an individual’s refusal to participate in work requirements without good cause, if evidenced by an affirmative statement by the participant or demonstrable evidence, to 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.

4. Child Care Disregards [265.9(b)(4)]

Colorado does not use child care disregards.

5. Family Violence Option [265.9(b)(5)]

The State of Colorado has adopted the Family Violence Option, and individual counties are required to provide information to all applicants and participants regarding family violence. State regulations require the county departments to 1) screen and identify victims of domestic violence, 2) refer the victims to appropriate counseling or other services, and 3) provide waivers of program requirements after a determination of good cause is completed and it is established that compliance with the requirement would make it difficult for the victim to escape from the domestic violence situation, the compliance would unfairly penalize victims of domestic violence, or would place the victim at risk of further abuse.

Colorado counties continue working with the Department on local collaboration efforts involving domestic violence programs and child welfare. The Department provided opportunities this year to counties to learn more about domestic violence and the importance of collaboration. County staff were invited to participate in domestic violence training to learn the basics of power and control and how this dynamic has an affect on the ability for some to participate in work activities. In addition to basic training, county staff were provided an opportunity to take part in a one day training offered through Denver District Attorney’s Office titled “Awesome Alliances and Creative Collaboration.” Many county staff attended to become aware of how prosecution is established in domestic violence cases, in addition to learning about advocacy and current issues in the domestic violence arena.

This year 2.0 FTE responsible for the administration of the Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) administration were relocated under the Colorado Works program. These funds are available to support community-based not for profit organizations whose primary purpose is to operate programs and shelters for victims of domestic violence and their dependents and provide counseling, advocacy and self-help services to victims and their children. The Department has coordinated the efforts of these positions and the efforts of the domestic violence collaboration piece for the Family Violence Option to assist county departments collaborate better with their local community domestic violence service providers.

County staff continue collaboration efforts after the mini-grant awards last year. Many counties have looked to other constant sources of funding to assist in the collaboration effort and to fund other activities such as community awareness and education.

6. Non-recurrent Short-term Benefits [265.9(b)(6)]

Non-recurrent, short-term benefits are provided to Colorado Works participants in two ways – State Diversion and County Diversion. State Diversion is provided to applicants and participants who are eligible for cash assistance under the Colorado Works program, but volunteer to accept a one-time benefit or service in lieu of ongoing cash assistance. Such individuals must not need long-term cash assistance or a basic assistance grant and they must have a demonstrable need for a specific item or type of assistance. This assistance may be in the form of a one-time lump sum cash amount for a specific need and the applicant or participant must enter into a written agreement in which that person agrees not to apply for any further assistance in any county for a specified period of time established by the County.

County Diversion may be provided to applicants who are not eligible for cash assistance under the Colorado Works program, but who are otherwise TANF eligible, and meet the same criteria listed above, i.e., they must not need long-term cash assistance or a basic assistance grant and they must have a demonstrable need for a specific item or type of assistance. They must also enter into a written agreement in which they agree not to apply for any further assistance in any county for a specified period of time established by the County. Providing County Diversion payments to participants, however, is strictly a county option and some counties do not provide this type of payment. Counties that do have a County Diversion program are responsible for establishing the eligibility criteria, which must fall within Colorado’s limits for eligibility and must be based on fair and objective standards.

When recipients are no longer eligible for basic cash assistance, Colorado’s automated system – Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) – automatically enrolls them into the Medicaid program. The County also individually assesses participants as part of the exit process from the Colorado works program to assure that they continue to receive Medicaid or other available medical insurance if they qualify. The CBMS system and exit interview process also assure that exiting recipients understand and enter the Food Stamp program as non-public assistance recipients, and receive child care services such as Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (“CCCAP”) for as long as they remain eligible.

7. Displacement Complaints [265.9(b)(7)]

The Division of Labor in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has developed a grievance procedure to guide the resolution of welfare reform displacement disputes pursuant to C.R.S. 26-2-716(3)(b). The Grievance Process provides procedures for filing a complaint, investigation of the complaint by the Division of Labor, administrative review, a director’s hearing, appeal to an administrative law judge, and judicial review in district court.

8. Third and Fourth Purposes of TANF [265.9(b)(8)]

As with the rest of Colorado’s welfare reform program, much of the responsibility and flexibility to design programs that address the third and fourth statutory purposes of TANF reside at the county level. There are several local programs in Colorado aimed at strengthening two-parent family formation and maintenance. Some of these programs focus on supporting responsible fatherhood by providing services to non-custodial parents to encourage active parenting and employment skills to increase their ability to financially support their children. Some counties contract with community resources to provide marriage counseling and parenting skills. Some counties provide abstinence and family planning education to adolescents and young adults. These programs are usually funded in conjunction with other funding streams. The programs that address the third and fourth purposes of TANF are described below.

• El Paso County Parent Opportunity Program

• Larimer County PARENT Program (for custodial and non-custodial parents) -employment, knowledge of parenting issues (non-TANF funding sources)

• Mesa County PREP Program provides employment and training, and financial management training with TANF funds

• Pueblo County Loving Fathers/Padres Queridos Program helps fathers overcome barriers between moms and dads, education, employment and training, case management, safe house for child visitation

• Denver County Work and Family Center (for ex-offenders) provides employment and training, knowledge of family issues, peer support

• Denver Partners for Fragile Families (for young fathers ages 16-26) provides education, work experience, peer counseling, focus groups, legal services, housing and drug assistance, mentoring through faith-based organizations
In addition, several counties offer training programs designed to help reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Some counties have also contracted for teen parent and single adult parent training on the importance of relationship-building, the prevention of out-of-wedlock births, and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. One county uses some of its TANF funds to help its school districts purchase dolls to be used in developing awareness of parenting issues.

9. Subsidized Employment [265.9(b)(9)]

According to CACTIS data prior to September 1, 2004, the number of participants participating in subsidized employment during FFY2004 was less than 10.

10. Implementation of the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS)

The State of Colorado implemented a new benefits management automated system on September 1, 2004. The goal of improving access to public assistance and medical benefits for clients by providing one-stop shopping has been realized after ten years of development.

CBMS is an information technology system overseen by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (CDHCPF). CBMS replaced six systems – Client Oriented Information Network (COIN), Colorado Automated Food Assistance System (CAFSS), Colorado Automated Client Tracking Information System (CACTIS), Colorado Employment First (CEF), Colorado Adult Protection System (CAPS), and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) – with one unified system for data collection and eligibility.

CBMS has three major goals:

1. Replace antiquated, inflexible legacy systems that use outdated programming languages, are difficult to modify, and perform redundant processing in individual "stovepipe" systems.

2. Enable a universal worker who will not have to memorize rules and look through manuals to determine eligibility and will have single point of data entry for multiple programs.

3. Improve access to public assistance and medical benefits by providing one-stop shopping for clients, permitting faster eligibility determinations, and allowing for higher accuracy and consistency in eligibility determinations statewide.

Although Colorado has realized some efficiency with this new system already, it has been a challenge to learn a new way of doing business for both state and county staff. The state, and all county departments have persevered though what some believe to be the toughest transition they have seen in their career in human services. We realize, however, that these growing pains will not last forever and will ultimately provide a greater range of data reporting functionality, in addition to the facilitation of faster and more standard basic services to those in need of human services assistance.

11. Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program

In the spring of 2004, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB04-1030, the Colorado Works Program Evaluation. The bill became law in July 2004. The law authorizes the CDHS to administer an annual independent evaluation of the Colorado Works program for five years. The evaluation is intended to track key outcomes of the program. CDHS will use the evaluation as a program improvement tool to assess the effectiveness and cost efficiency of different approaches by the counties to the Colorado Works program and the program services provided. CDHS, in conjunction with an Advisory Committee established pursuant to the law, is required to make annual reports to the General Assembly regarding the progress and findings of the evaluation.

The basic scope of work requires the evaluation to include statewide and county-level systematic data on families being served by the Colorado Works program, including the full range of services and benefits provided and outcomes on the receipt of assistance and employment and key indicators of self-sufficiency and family well-being. Where feasible, the data shall commence beginning with the first year of operation of the Colorado Works program, State Fiscal Year 1998.

The evaluation will also identify approaches and practices that have been developed and implemented by counties to address challenges facing participants in the Works program and shall provide analyses of the effectiveness and cost efficiency of these approaches. These analyses will be sensitive to economic, social and cultural variation in different regions of the state.

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Colorado Works/TANF

a. Ongoing basic cash benefits and supportive services

b. Transportation and other job search community training – unemployed

c. Work subsidies – employed/Other work activities – employed

d. Education – employed

e. Child care – employed

f. Other transportation – employed

g. Non-recurrent Short-term Benefits

h. Work clothes and Equipment

i. Prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies

j. Non-monetary services

k. Administrative and system costs

l. County related program costs

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

a. Ongoing basic cash benefits and supportive services

b. Transportation and other job search community training – unemployed

c. Work subsidies – employed/Other work activities – employed

d. Education – employed – provides education to those who are employed

e. Child care – employed – provides child care to those participants who are employed

f. Other transportation – employed – provides transportation nonassistance to employed

g. Non-recurrent Short-term Benefits – provides one-time benefits to participants who do not need ongoing assistance

h. Work clothes and Equipment

i. Prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies - programs to reduce the incidences of out-of-wedlock pregnancies

j. Non-monetary services – provides needed services through community resource partners

k. Administrative and system costs – pays the administrative and system operating costs of Colorado Works

l. County related program costs – pays the county costs of offering Colorado Works

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

a. To provide ongoing assistance for the basic needs of Colorado Works participants as they work with their individual circumstances to become self-sufficient.

b. Provides benefits such as transportation, training, and job search skills to help unemployed participants find employment

c. Provides subsidies and other work activities to help employers pay for the costs to attain the necessary employment skills to eventually find and retain worthwhile employment

d. Provides education and training to allow participants to improve their employment prospects and end their need for public assistance

e. Allows employed participants who earn low wages to be able to keep their employment without having to use their entire paychecks for child care

f. Provides the means for participants to commute to their employment and other transportation needs

g. Provides for a one-time need such as a rental deposit that may prevent a family from facing a dire economic situation that may lead to a need for ongoing cash assistance

h. Makes a needed investment for a participant to begin or retain employment

i. Programs that reduce the risks of out-of-wedlock pregnancy including school outreach through abstinence education and self esteem building, along with other programs.

j. Direct services provided through community resource providers that do not have any monetary value. These services are generally preventive services to help families receive the supports they need to avoid the need for ongoing assistance.

k. State and county administration and systems costs pay for county related administration expenses, state administration expenses, the costs of supporting the automated systems to track caseloads and expenditures, and indirect costs.

l. The costs of providing services to clients, including screening and assessment, providing information to clients, developing employment plans, post employment services, and the salaries of staff to provide those services.

4. Program Type (Check one)

_X_ These Programs are operated under the TANF program.
___ These Programs are a separate State program.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $28,718,233.47

a. Basic cash assistance – unemployed - $14,155,126.35

b. Transportation and other job search community and training – unemployed – $798,051.03

c. Work subsidies and other work activities - employed – $19,738.86

d. Education – employed - $114,679.61

e. Child care – employed - $94,340.55

f. Other Transportation – employed - $531,012.94

g. Non-recurrent Short-term Benefits – $396,969.91

h. Work clothes and Equipment - $280,374.31

i. Prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies - $36,716.86

j. Non-monetary services – $142,709.51

k. Administrative system costs – $3,607,416.86

l. County related program costs - $8,541,096.68

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $28,718,233.47

a. Basic cash assistance – unemployed - $14,155,126.35

b. Transportation and other job search community and training – unemployed – $798,051.03

c. Work subsidies and other work activities - employed – $19,738.86

d. Education – employed - $114,679.61

e. Child care – employed - $94,340.55

f. Other Transportation – employed - $531,012.94

g. Non-recurrent Short-term Benefits – $396,969.91

h. Work clothes and Equipment - $280,374.31

i. Prevention of out-of-wedlock pregnancies - $36,716.86

j. Non-monetary services – $142,709.51

k. Administrative system costs – $3,607,416.86

l. County related program costs - $8,541,096.68

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

The current Information Systems do not have the capacity to provide the numbers of families served with each of the above programs.

There were 14,739 cases on basic cash assistance.

There were 365 cases that received nonrecurring short-term benefits.

Both of these figures represent (check one):

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

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

The eligibility criteria for receiving MOE-funded basic cash assistance are uniform statewide and based on state rules in effect on July 16, 1996 with a few exceptions. Exceptions include a child care disregard, a two-thirds employment earnings disregard for twelve cumulative months, a higher standard for grandparents caring for children who have left the foster care system, and increased asset limitations. The eligibility criteria for receiving MOE-funded Program Benefits or Services outside basic cash assistance vary by county and are described in the Annual Report (attachment A) description of nonrecurring short-term benefits.

10. Prior Program Authorization: Were these programs authorized and allowable under prior law? (check one)

Yes__X_ No

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children Program

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

The Emergency Assistance to Families with Children Program provides case planning services, case management services, counseling, family support programs intensive family therapy, day treatment, home-based services, non-medical drug and alcohol treatment, and crisis intervention services. Families that meet the need standard for eligibility for this program receive the benefit of being categorically eligible for the food stamp program.

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

The emphasis is to provide these services to needy families to promote child well being and family stability, and embraces a service orientation to enhance employability so that children can be cared for in their own home.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

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

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $23,560,361.86

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $23,560,361.86

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 15,706

This last figure represents (check one):

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

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

The eligibility determination shall be documented on the state prescribed form and shall include:

1. Whether an emergency exists, defined as the removal of a child from his or her home into publicly funded care or state or county supervision, or risk of such removal as determined by the responsible state or county agency officials.

2. Whether the child has lived with a relative anytime within the 6 months preceding Title IV-A Emergency Assistance application. See the Income Maintenance manual for requirements of relative (9CCR 2503-1).

3. Whether the family’s total gross annual income is under $75,000.

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

Yes _X_ No

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”
This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)

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

This program serves families up to 225% of the Federal Poverty Level by providing assistance to pay for child care services. Families receiving services are employed, in training, or looking for a job.

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

This program allows families to work or attend training because it makes child care affordable. Without this program, many families would be unable to work and have to rely on public assistance for support.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

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

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $9,572,767.48

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $9,572,767.48

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 10,322

This last figure represents (check one):

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

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

Families have must have gross household income below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level and be in an eligible activity.

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

Yes _X_ No ____

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

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

LEAP provides cash benefits to households for help with winter heating costs. Another segment of the program provides funds to replace or repair broken furnaces and broken windows.

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

The Basic Program is intended to help meet winter home heating costs of households composed of low income families and individuals. The Crisis Intervention Program is intended to assist households composed of low income families and individuals who are in home heating crisis situations.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

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

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,816,398

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $1,816,398

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 51,949

This last figure represents (check one):

___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.

_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

Participants must have income at or below 185% of federal poverty index, be a U.S. citizen, be a Colorado resident, and the household must contain a child (or children).

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

Yes _X_ No ____

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

a. Earned Income Tax Credit

b. Child Tax Credit

c. Child Care Tax Credit

Other Refundable Tax Credits

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

a. The Earned Income Tax Credit provides qualifying low-income families a credit who have income from earnings based on a sliding scale established by federal regulations.

b. The Child Tax Credit provides $200 for each qualifying child who is five years of age or under for low-income families of the expenses of caring for children.

c. The Child Care Tax Credit provides a credit to low-income families for child care expenses in the amount of fifty percent of the credit for child care claimed on the individual’s federal tax return.

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

a. The Earned Income Tax Credit provides a refundable credit to low-income families to be used by them for any purpose.

b. The Child Tax Credit provides a credit for some of the expenses of raising children for low-income families.

c. The Child Care Tax Credit provides a credit to low-income families for the expenses of child care to help them afford the necessary expenses of child care that accompany employment.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

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

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $6,445,495.00

a. $398,391.00

b. $1,067,901.00

c. $4,979,203.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year:
$6,445,495.00

a. $398,391.00

b. $1,067,901.00

c. $4,979,203.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 53,585

a. 4,111

b. 3,245

c. 46,229

This last figure represents (check one):
___ The average monthly total for the fiscal year.
_X_ The total served over the fiscal year.

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

a. The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for eligible individuals and families who work and have earned income under $35,458 per year.

b. A resident individual who claims a child tax credit for one or more qualifying children pursuant to section 24 of the internal revenue code on the individual’s federal tax return and whose household income is less than or equals $60,000 per year.

c. If a resident individual claims a credit for child care expenses on their federal tax return and the individual earned less than or equals $60,000 or less for the year.

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

Yes ___ No _X_

11. Total Program Expenditures in FY 1995: $0

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Colorado Nurse Home Visitor Program

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

The program consists of nurse home visitors who work with women and their families in their homes during pregnancy and through the first two years of the child’s life. The program provides regular visits with new at-risk mothers to improve parenting skills and child well-being and to link mothers to needed social services. This is accomplished through regular home visiting sessions through the child’s second birthday

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

The purpose of the program is to improve child development by helping parents provide more responsible care giving and to improve the families’ economic self-sufficiency.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.

_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

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

NA

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $3,827,750.00

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $2,987,635.00

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 1,044

This last figure represents (check one):

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

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

Eligible families must have an income at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or less.

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

Yes ___ No _X_

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

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Colorado Department of Education Early Childhood Development Programs

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

The programs provide funding to Colorado schools in an effort to establish quality early childhood education programs, strengthen families and support them as participants in their child’s education. School districts conduct an individualized educational program for the child with family involvement.

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

The purpose is to reduce dropout rates, decrease dependence on public assistance, and to reduce children’s involvement in criminal activities.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.
_X_ This Program is a separate State program.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $31,287,685

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $5,469,335

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 5,258

This last figure represents (check one):

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

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

Participating school districts are selected based on the following factors:

• Dropout rate;

• Number of qualifying children;

• Test scores of Kindergarten children and primary grades of children in the district;

• Demographic data; and

• Geographic location of the district.

In order to be eligible, the child must be 3, 4 or 5 years of age and have significant risk factors that affect overall learning readiness. The following are considered by the program to be risk factors:

• Child is eligible for federal free/reduced lunch program;

• Child’s family is homeless;

• An abusive adult lives in the household;

• An adult with a drug/alcohol problem lives in the household;

• Child’s parent is less than 18 years of age and unmarried;

• Child’s parent has not completed a high school education or its equivalent;

• Child’s family has frequently relocated; and

• Child has poor social skills.

Other factors that are considered include if the child is in need of language development skills and if the child is currently receiving child welfare benefits through the Colorado Department of Human Services.

If 4 or 5, the child must be ready for Kindergarten in the next year and may only receive benefits for one year. If 3, the child must have at least of the 3 significant risk factors present in the home that make the child at-risk for school failure. A 3-year old is also restricted to benefits for one year, but may receive benefits for a second year if the risk factors continue to be present.

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

Yes _X_ No

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

This certifies that all families for which the State claims MOE expenditures for the fiscal year meet the State’s criteria for “eligible families.”

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Colorado Department of Education Early Childhood Development Programs

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

The programs provide funding to Colorado schools in an effort to establish quality early childhood education programs, strengthen families and support them as participants in their child’s education. School districts conduct an individualized educational program for the child with family involvement.

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

The purpose is to reduce dropout rates, decrease dependence on public assistance, and to reduce children’s involvement in criminal activities.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.XThis Program is a separate State program.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $31,287,685

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $17,116,561

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 5,258

This last figure represents (check one):

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

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

Participating school districts are selected based on the following factors:

• Dropout rate;

• Number of qualifying children;

• Test scores of Kindergarten children and primary grades of children in the district;

• Demographic data; and

• Geographic location of the district.

State: Colorado Fiscal Year: 2004

1. Name of Benefit or Service Program

Colorado Department of Education Early Childhood Development Programs

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

The programs provide funding to Colorado schools in an effort to establish quality early childhood education programs, strengthen families and support them as participants in their child’s education. School districts conduct an individualized educational program for the child with family involvement.

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

The purpose is to reduce dropout rates, decrease dependence on public assistance, and to reduce children’s involvement in criminal activities.

4. Program Type. (Check one)*

This Program is operated under the TANF program.XThis Program is a separate State program.

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

6. Total State Expenditures for the Program for the Fiscal Year: $31,287,685

7. Total State MOE Expenditures under the Program for the Fiscal Year: $17,116,561

8. Total Number of Families Served under the Program with MOE Funds: 5,258

This last figure represents (check one):

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

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

Participating school districts are selected based on the following factors:

• Dropout rate;

• Number of qualifying children;

• Test scores of Kindergarten children and primary grades of children in the district;

• Demographic data; and

• Geographic location of the district.