A representative from the LA County CalWORKS program would like to know if other States have changed their regulations to deal with the federal mandated changes that took effect on 10/01/2006.

A representative from the District of Columbia Department of Human Services would like to know if any States have a database that centralizes all client information related to participation (i.e. time and attendance, case notes, etc), and is willing to share the solicitation used to acquire the system?

A representative from the Green Hills Community Action Agency would like to know if other rural Community Action Partnership workers deal with the daily check-in for job search activity clients that have transportation limitations, no phone, no email, and a one day a week caseworker in their location?

A representative from the Arkansas Division of Public Assistance would like to know what states currently, or plan to, consider TANF participants in a countable work activity if they are providing childcare for the child of another TANF participant engaged in unpaid work activities?

A representative from Washington State would like to know which cities/states are utilizing contracted Doctors to provide medical statements to screen participants into suitable employment when possible? Seattle, Washington is struggling with the types of medicals received from the client's own Doctors which tend to say the client is unable to perform any type of work.

In connection to the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, our county is examining different ways to increase our work participation rate (WPR). It appears that all hours of participation must be documented in order to be claimed toward the WPR; the rule states that "A State must support each individual's hours of participation through documentation in the case file." Does your County recognize and count Online Education participation (e-learning) through accredited educational programs (i.e. University of Phoenix, Community College online coursework). If yes, how do you validate the participants' attendance in the activity? How do you determine if the participant is participating fully? Partially? Not at all?

Washington has not terminated any TANF recipients after 60 months, and understands that 18 other states also have not terminated anyone after they have reached the lifetime TANF limit. What other states have not terminated anybody after they have reached their lifetime TANF limit and how are they implementing this?

Georgia would like to find out how other states are providing Adult Basic Education/GED/Literacy services for their TANF clients.

In Iowa, Income Maintenance workers' caseloads are generic rather than specialized and are primarily comprised of Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF and Child Care. IMs do both Intake and Ongoing management from application through case closure. We are attempting to set caseload standards. If any other state is configured the same way, will you tell us your statewide average caseload? Thank you.

As part of our effort to meet the 50 percent all families participation rate mandated by the June regulations, Massachusetts is exploring the feasibility of stationing Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists in our local welfare offices. We envision the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists as generalists who, in addition to working directly with clients, would be able to conduct outreach to local employers and community service providers. What experiences have other states had with similar initiatives?