Are there any studies/statistics that indicate financial literacy training among TANF recipients is necessary and helpful to clients in obtaining self-sufficiency?

How do other states conduct resource and referral to the TANF population in educating parents on selecting quality child care? What are the services provided? What is the workflow from the moment the client states they need child care?

Connecticut is trying to refine our policy on deeming from sponsors of aliens and we are currently struggling with the indigency provision of PRWORA. Simply stated it says that we only deem the amount actually paid by the sponsor if we determine that the alien is indigent. In determining indigency, we count actual income given to alien and any in-kind income received by the alien. We cannot count deemed income that the alien does not actually receive. Food Stamp guidance defines indigency as cash or in-kind income that does not exceed 130% of the FPL. If a family is determined to be indigent we do not deem but we notify the US Attorney General with the name of the alien and the sponsor. We would like to know how other states handle this provision. Specifically - In determining indigency how do you determine the value of in-kind food and shelter? some of the options that we are considering are assigning a set value; allowing the alien to self declare; or prorate the value of the food and shelter costs of the household. Some immigrants may not want us to report them to the USAG. It appears that we can allow the immigrant to ask us not to do this but deem income from the sponsor instead. Do you do this? How? Do you have any material that you give to the immigrant regarding deeming, indigency or recovering from the sponsor? If yes can you provide an electronic copy?

Our state legislature would like to utilize TANF funding to train child welfare workers on adoption issues. The goal would be to enhance caseworker knowledge of adoption issues and assist children and families through the adoption process. Focus would be for child only cases and children in the child welfare system to help them stabilize their living situation. Are any states currently using TANF funds for adoption services? Training? Any assistance or direction you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

How does your state administer and budget benefits for support services such as transportation, clothing, car repairs, books, licensing, etc? Does your state use a benefits card, voucher system? Does each client receive the same amounts for each specific service or does it differ from family to family

Could anyone please provide examples of small faith-based local programs that are effectively serving TANF customers? Please describe services provided and recent successes.

Are there any states that means-test their child-only cases (non-parental caregivers, specifically)? Aside from the impacts to foster care caseloads, has anyone thought about the implications of doing so? Does anyone know of any federal regulations that might apply?

Does your State TANF agency utilize card technology to issue supportive services to participants of the TANF work program/welfare to work activities?

The Rhode Island Rite Works Employment and Retention Services office would like to know how other States have minimized "no shows" for appointments they schedule for clients. Please describe strategies your state has used to get clients into the office and meet scheduled appointment times.

What best practices or innovative programs are States and counties implementing relating to transportation assistance for TANF recipients? Are there examples of car-loan, car purchase, or ride share programs being implemented? The State of Virginia would appreciate any information you could provide.