The Iowa Department of Human Services is interested in conducting an assessment of the department's 'Family Development and Self-Sufficiency' (FaDSS) program, which provides intensive family development services to TANF families with multiple or severe barriers to self-sufficiency. Are any funding sources available to support an evaluation study of this kind?

A representative from the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency would like to learn about strategies for working with families who have "timed off," now that they are considered "work eligible" under the new federal TANF law?

Are any states counting toward their MOE requirements either cash given to not-for-profit organizations on behalf of eligible families or the value of the in-kind service that the not-for-profit provided to eligible families using that cash or both- for example, a food bank?

Have any States used self-employment with TANF Recipients? If so, please describe program features and funding, as well as pros and cons (for the customer and for your state)?

Utah is looking for information from States that currently do a quality review of their TANF Program, which are similar to a quality control review completed for the Food Stamp Program.

Maryland is looking at the issue of salaries for TANF case workers and how it impacts the hiring and retention of workers. Have any other jurisdictions successfully argued that caseworkers be paid commensurate with what they do, and if so, has this improved your jurisdictions recruiting and retention efforts?

Are any states using TANF or MOE funds to provide cash assistance and/or support services to non-custodial parents?

West Virginia is in the process of revising their current Personal Responsibility Contract (PRC) form for WV WORKS (TANF) adults. Currently, West Virginia's Personal Responsibility Contract includes goals, list of barriers, and specific assignments/activities for the client. If your State has a Personal Responsibility Contract or similarly named form, and is willing to collaborate with West Virginia, please contact Michael Lobert, WVDHHR, Family Support Policy, at michaellobert@wvdhhr.org.

Can other states provide best practices around serving two-parent families on their caseloads?

Do any members have information or resources on, or samples of, strength-based family assessments?