1 CalWORKs California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids October 2007.

1 CalWORKs California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids October 2007

3 A Little History

4 Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Federal/State Relationship Federal/State Relationship Entitlement Program Entitlement Program No Limits No Limits

5 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Federal/State Relationship Change Block Grant Funding Time-Limited Aid Flexibility Reauthorization

6 CalWORKs CalWORKs is a major component of Californias implementation of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), the federal welfare reform effort authorized by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) in 1996. CalWORKs is a major component of Californias implementation of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), the federal welfare reform effort authorized by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) in 1996. CalWORKs was enacted by state legislation (Assembly Bill 1542) and became effective in California January 1, 1998. CalWORKs was enacted by state legislation (Assembly Bill 1542) and became effective in California January 1, 1998.

7 Principles of CalWORKs Welfare is temporary in times of crisis time limited cash aid. Welfare is temporary in times of crisis time limited cash aid. Personal responsibility/accountability is encouraged and rewarded assisting families to achieve self-sufficiency. Personal responsibility/accountability is encouraged and rewarded assisting families to achieve self-sufficiency. Work first attitude is fostered through strict work requirements minimum hourly participation requirements. Work first attitude is fostered through strict work requirements minimum hourly participation requirements. Counties have flexibility to meet recipients needs for services. Counties have flexibility to meet recipients needs for services. Requirement for new and expanded partnerships. Requirement for new and expanded partnerships.

8 CalWORKs Caseload Total caseload = 424,060 - Single-parent families = 166,378 - Two-parent families = 29,455 - Child-only = 158,066 - TANF timed-out = 26,868 - Safety net = 43,293 *Data source: CalWORKs Cash Grant Caseload Movement Report (CA 237), June 2007

9 CalWORKs Budget $7.3 Billion - State, local, and federal funds $5.1 billion CalWORKs program, incl.: $5.1 billion CalWORKs program, incl.: - CalWORKs cash grants - Employment Services/Admin. -Automation $2.2 billion non-CalWORKs assistance, incl.: $2.2 billion non-CalWORKs assistance, incl.: - Foster care - Adoption assistance - Refugee cash assistance

10 CalWORKs Eligibility... Caretaker Relatedness Child must be deprived of parental care or support due to: Death Death Incapacity Incapacity Absence Absence Unemployment Unemployment

11 Other Eligibility Factors Property Income Minor Parent Requirements WTW requirements Time Limits

12 Personal Responsibility and Accountability Immunizations Immunizations School attendance School attendance Child support Child support

13 CalWORKs Grants... Grant Levels Grant Levels Two Grant Structures Region 1 & 2 Region 1--Higher cost of living (coastal counties) Region 1--Higher cost of living (coastal counties) Region 2--Lower cost of living Region 2--Lower cost of living Exempt/Non-Exempt Maximum Aid Payment (MAP )

14 Whos In the Assistance Unit? Child for whom aid is requested Child for whom aid is requested Any eligible sibling or half-sibling in the home Any eligible sibling or half-sibling in the home The parents of all eligible children The parents of all eligible children Optional persons Optional persons Non-parent caretaker relative Other eligible children Other essential persons

15 Whos Ineligible? FLEEING FELONS FLEEING FELONS DRUG FELONS DRUG FELONS FRAUD FRAUD

16 Special Needs Pregnancy Pregnancy Homeless assistance Homeless assistance

17 Determining Eligibility Application Application Annual Redetermination Annual Redetermination Quarterly Quarterly

18 60-Month Time Limits Adult parents are eligible for 60 months of cash aid. Adult parents are eligible for 60 months of cash aid. Clock Stoppers--exemptions that stop month(s) of aid from counting toward the 60-month time limit. Clock Stoppers--exemptions that stop month(s) of aid from counting toward the 60-month time limit. Time Extenders--exceptions that can result in a recipients remaining on aid beyond the 60-month time limit. Time Extenders--exceptions that can result in a recipients remaining on aid beyond the 60-month time limit.

19 CalWORKs Time Limit Exemptions Clock Stoppers Eligible for, participating in, or exempt from Cal- Learn program. Eligible for, participating in, or exempt from Cal- Learn program. Living in Indian Country Living in Indian Country Advanced Age Advanced Age Disabled Disabled Aid reimbursed by child support Aid reimbursed by child support Grant amount $10 or less Grant amount $10 or less Employed and receiving only supportive services Employed and receiving only supportive services Caretaking responsibilities for: Caretaking responsibilities for: Ill or incapacitated person Dependent child of the court or child at risk of placement in foster care Unaided Unaided Domestic Abuse (Good Cause) Domestic Abuse (Good Cause)

20 CalWORKs Time Limit Exceptions--Time Limit Extenders Advanced Age Advanced Age Caretaking responsibilities Caretaking responsibilities Disabled--receiving SDI, TDI, IHSS or SSP benefits and the disability impairs ability to work/participate Disabled--receiving SDI, TDI, IHSS or SSP benefits and the disability impairs ability to work/participate Unable to maintain employment or participate Unable to maintain employment or participate Unaided Unaided Domestic Abuse (Good Cause) Domestic Abuse (Good Cause)

21 Safety Net Eligible children continue to get cash aid after their parents have exhausted their 60-month time limit. Eligible children continue to get cash aid after their parents have exhausted their 60-month time limit. Timed-out adults are not eligible for General Assistance until the youngest child on aid is 18. Timed-out adults are not eligible for General Assistance until the youngest child on aid is 18.

22 CalWORKs Focus on Families CalLearn: services for CalWORKs pregnant and parenting teens to help them stay in school and get a high school diploma or equivalent. CalLearn: services for CalWORKs pregnant and parenting teens to help them stay in school and get a high school diploma or equivalent. Family Planning Project: family planning services information material for CalWORKs clients. Family Planning Project: family planning services information material for CalWORKs clients.

23 CalWORKs Family Reunification Program Established May 2002 Established May 2002 Eligibility: Eligibility: CalWORKs recipient families whose children are removed from the home and determined to need CalWORKs services for family reunification Up to 180 days of services, with exceptions Up to 180 days of services, with exceptions No CalWORKs cash aid or cash-linked MediCal: eligible for Food Stamps No CalWORKs cash aid or cash-linked MediCal: eligible for Food Stamps

24 Meeting the Challenge Eligibilitys role in supporting work efforts Eligibilitys role in supporting work efforts

25 Welfare-To-Work Federal reauthorization and reforms Federal reauthorization and reforms Californias challenge to meet federal WPR Californias challenge to meet federal WPR requirements requirements CalWORKs WTW participation requirements CalWORKs WTW participation requirements Services to remove barriers to employment Services to remove barriers to employment

26 2006 Welfare Reform TANF Reauthorization TANF Reauthorization In the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 Signed by the President February 8, 2006 Signed by the President February 8, 2006 Federal Interim Final Rule Published June 29, 2006 Published June 29, 2006 Governors Budget 2006-07 (AB 1808) Governors Budget 2006-07 (AB 1808) Approved by Governor and filed with the Secretary of State July 12, 2006

27 Major Impacts of TANF Reauthorization Recalibration of the caseload reduction credit Recalibration of the caseload reduction credit Newly identified work eligible individuals Newly identified work eligible individuals Work activities defined Work activities defined Work verification plan requirement Work verification plan requirement

28 Work Participation Rate Those participating the required number of hours -------------------------- Those required to participate All-families = 50% All-families = 50% Two-parent = 90% Two-parent = 90%

29 Caseload Reduction Credit and Work Participation Rate Caseload Reduction Credit (CRC) base year changed from 1995 to 2005 Caseload Reduction Credit (CRC) base year changed from 1995 to 2005 Projected All Families CRC for Federal Fiscal Year 2007 50%

30 Projected WPR for FFY 2006 with New Populations Projected All Families WPR: 22.2% (FFY 2006) 50%

31 Who is work eligible? Adult (or minor child head-of-household) receiving assistance under TANF or SSP Adult (or minor child head-of-household) receiving assistance under TANF or SSP Non-recipient parent living with a child receiving assistance (child-only recipients) Non-recipient parent living with a child receiving assistance (child-only recipients) Work-eligible individuals that are in Separate State Programs funded with state Maintenance of Effort dollars (two-parent recipients) Work-eligible individuals that are in Separate State Programs funded with state Maintenance of Effort dollars (two-parent recipients)

32 Effect on WPR Denominator Cases in WPR Denominator "Work Eligible Individuals" Based on 2005 Caseload Data Denominator Prior to DRA 179,216

33 Welfare-To-Work Federal reauthorization and reforms Federal reauthorization and reforms Californias challenge to meet federal WPR requirements Californias challenge to meet federal WPR requirements CalWORKs WTW participation requirements CalWORKs WTW participation requirements Services to remove barriers to employment Services to remove barriers to employment

34 The Challenge: Balance between CalWORKs and TANF CalWORKs is designed to provide flexibility to counties to meet the unique needs of their diverse populations CalWORKs is designed to provide flexibility to counties to meet the unique needs of their diverse populations Participation requirements are different, more flexible in CalWORKs than TANF Required hours of participation vary from TANF Required hours of participation vary from TANF Activity time limits vary from TANF Activity time limits vary from TANF Exemptions/Disregards vary from TANF Exemptions/Disregards vary from TANF

35 The Challenge: Balance between CalWORKs and TANF (Cont.) CDSS and others have worked hard to maintain the structure of the CalWORKs program CDSS and others have worked hard to maintain the structure of the CalWORKs program Goal: Find balance between maintaining the fundamentals of CalWORKs while meeting federal requirements and safeguarding the state from fiscal penalties Goal: Find balance between maintaining the fundamentals of CalWORKs while meeting federal requirements and safeguarding the state from fiscal penalties

36 Meeting the Challenge Maintain the participation level of those currently meeting the WPR requirements Maintain the participation level of those currently meeting the WPR requirements Increase participation for those partially participating Increase participation for those partially participating Fully engage those who are not participating Fully engage those who are not participating Re-engage sanctioned and noncompliant cases Re-engage sanctioned and noncompliant cases Strive for better data Strive for better data

37 AB 1808 Policy Required data master plan and data publishing Required data master plan and data publishing Required county peer reviews Required county peer reviews Ended durational sanctions Ended durational sanctions Clarified shared penalties Clarified shared penalties Required county plan addendum Required county plan addendum

39 Typical CalWORKs Flow Orientation Orientation Appraisal Appraisal Job Search (4 weeks) Job Search (4 weeks) Assessment Assessment WTW Plan with assigned activities WTW Plan with assigned activities Exception to flow Self-Initiated Programs (SIPs) Full-timed employed (no WTW Plan)

40 Welfare-to-Work Plan After assessment, able-bodied recipients must enter into a written WTW Plan. After assessment, able-bodied recipients must enter into a written WTW Plan. Exempt recipients who volunteer to participate must also have a WTW Plan. Exempt recipients who volunteer to participate must also have a WTW Plan. Plans include: Plans include: Activities and services that will move the participant into employment and toward self-sufficiency One or more core and/or non-core activities for the required minimum hours. No minimum hours for volunteers Adult basic education, when necessary Description of needed supportive services (transportation, child care, ancillary expenses) School attendance requirements for children

41 CalWORKs Work Requirements Strict work requirements support the programs focus Strict work requirements support the programs focus on work first on work first Single parents must participate 32 hours per week Single parents must participate 32 hours per week 2-parent families must participate 35 hours per week 2-parent families must participate 35 hours per week Noncompliance with work requirements results in a financial sanction equal to the adults portion of the familys grant. The adult is removed from the AU

42 Work Requirement Exemptions Under age 16 Age 16, 17, or 18 and attending school full time Age 16 or 17 with a high school diploma (or equivalent) and enrolled or planning to enroll in postsecondary educational, vocational, or technical school training 60 years of age

43 Work Requirement Exemptions (contd) Disability that significantly impairs ability to be regularly employed Nonparent relative caring for a dependent/ward of the court or child at risk of foster care placement Caring for a disabled family member Parents with very young children Pregnancy that impairs ability to be regularly employed Full-time VISTA volunteer

44 CalWORKs Work Activities At least 20 hours per week in core activities directly related to work. The balance of the 32/35 hour participation requirement can be spent in non-core activities. Some non-core hours can be counted toward the 20-hour core requirement.

45 CalWORKs Core Activities Unsubsidized employment Subsidized private or public sector employment Subsidized private or public sector employment Self employment Self employment Job search and job readiness assistance Job search and job readiness assistance Work experience Work experience On-the-job-training (OJT) On-the-job-training (OJT) Grant-based OJT Grant-based OJT Supported work or transitional employment Supported work or transitional employment Work study Work study Community service Community service Vocational education and training (up to 12 months) Vocational education and training (up to 12 months)

46 Adult basic education Adult basic education Education directly related to employment Education directly related to employment Job skills training directly related to employment Job skills training directly related to employment Satisfactory progress in secondary education Satisfactory progress in secondary education Barrier removal activities - mental health, substance abuse, and domestic abuse services Barrier removal activities - mental health, substance abuse, and domestic abuse services Non-core work activities that can count toward 20-hour core requirements CalWORKS Non-Core Activities

47 CalWORKS Non-Core Activities (contd) Non-core activities that cannot count toward the 20-hour core requirement Vocational education and training Vocational education and training (after counting as core for 12 months) Participation in non-core vocational education prohibits counting any non-core activity toward the 20-hour core requirement Participation required by the school to ensure a childs attendance Participation required by the school to ensure a childs attendance Other activities necessary to assist an individual in obtaining unsubsidized employment Other activities necessary to assist an individual in obtaining unsubsidized employment

48 Supportive Services Child Care Child Care Three-phase system Child care reimbursement rates are standardized with the California Department of Education (CDE). Transportation Transportation Counties provide reimbursement for the least costly form of public transportation. If public transportation not available, mileage reimbursement for individual to use vehicle. Ancillary Ancillary Books, tools, clothing specifically required for the job, fees and other necessary costs (tuition is not considered an ancillary expense.)

49 Good Cause for Temporarily Not Participating in CalWORKs WTW Activities Lack of necessary supportive services Lack of necessary supportive services Child care not reasonably available during hours of training or employment Child care not reasonably available during hours of training or employment Other reasons, as defined by county, such as: Other reasons, as defined by county, such as: Death in the family Court appearance Sick child Individuals who are excused from participation with good cause are subject to the 60-month time limits Individuals who are excused from participation with good cause are subject to the 60-month time limits

50 Noncompliance When determined noncompliant, within 20 days, the recipient can When determined noncompliant, within 20 days, the recipient can Provide a good cause reason not participating Agree to a compliance plan when no good cause exists With no good cause reason and no compliance plan, a financial sanction is imposed With no good cause reason and no compliance plan, a financial sanction is imposed Noncompliant participant removed from assistance unit, resulting in a reduction in familys cash grant

51 Noncompliance Noncompliance means a participant Noncompliance means a participant Failed to sign a WTW Plan Failed to participate in assigned activity Failed to provide proof of satisfactory progress Failed to accept or continue employment at same level of earnings

53 Learning Disabilities (LD) LD: A heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities LD: A heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities Enrollees screened no later than appraisal and at other specified times, such as in good cause determinations Enrollees screened no later than appraisal and at other specified times, such as in good cause determinations Recipients can waive right to LD screening Recipients can waive right to LD screening Referred to LD evaluation when screening shows potential LD Referred to LD evaluation when screening shows potential LD When evaluation shows LD, the WTW Plan will include accommodation based on evaluation When evaluation shows LD, the WTW Plan will include accommodation based on evaluation

54 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Mental health services include assessment, case management, treatment, and rehabilitation services Mental health services include assessment, case management, treatment, and rehabilitation services Substance abuse services include assessment, treatment, employment counseling, provision of community service jobs, or other appropriate services Substance abuse services include assessment, treatment, employment counseling, provision of community service jobs, or other appropriate services Counties must work with mental health and substance abuse treatment providers to establish linkages to treatment services Counties must work with mental health and substance abuse treatment providers to establish linkages to treatment services

55 Domestic Abuse Services The Federal Family Violence Option PRWORA of 1996 allows states to address domestic violence in state welfare plans under TANF by: PRWORA of 1996 allows states to address domestic violence in state welfare plans under TANF by: Confidentially screening applicants for domestic Confidentially screening applicants for domestic abuse abuse Providing referrals for counseling and supportive Providing referrals for counseling and supportive services services Granting good cause waivers Granting good cause waivers

56 Goals of CalWORKs Provisions for Domestic Abuse Victims are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements Victims are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs requirements Program requirements do not encourage a victim to remain with the abuser Program requirements do not encourage a victim to remain with the abuser Participation in WTW activities is encouraged to enable clients to obtain employment and move safely toward self-sufficiency Participation in WTW activities is encouraged to enable clients to obtain employment and move safely toward self-sufficiency

57 Domestic Abuse Waivers A county may waive, on a case-by-case basis with good cause, any program requirement, including, but not limited to A county may waive, on a case-by-case basis with good cause, any program requirement, including, but not limited to Time limits on receipt of aid Work and education requirements Paternity establishment Child support cooperation requirements Maximum family grant rule

58 Domestic Abuse Waivers (contd) Program requirements that cannot be waived Program requirements that cannot be waived Deprivation Assets Income Homeless assistance

59 Importance of Collaboration Between Child Welfare Services and CalWORKs 60 percent of Child Welfare Cases have history of welfare receipt 60 percent of Child Welfare Cases have history of welfare receipt Close collaboration can ensure program requirements do not conflict Close collaboration can ensure program requirements do not conflict Families receive services they need to achieve child well being and self-sufficiency Families receive services they need to achieve child well being and self-sufficiency

60 Questions and Answers...

1 CalWORKs California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids October 2007.

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