Welfare Reform Regulation Update

You no doubt have heard of the new Welfare Reform (TANF STATE PLAN). This is the federally mandated way that we will deal with welfare reform.

1. Executive Summary

2. Regulations to make the reform work? not work?

What is your our your (constituent) experience with the conversion of regs. from the old to the new system?

ATAP= Alaska Temporary Assistance Plan TANF= Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ATAP GOAL Move Alaskans from welfare into jobs so they can support their families, and maintain a safety net for those truly in need.

Two years of public involvement have culminated in the state TANF plan. (ATAP). In May 1996, the Alaska State legislature created the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP). ATAP replaces welfare programs Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and JOBS. That same year, the Federal government enacted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. This Act provides for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. ATAP is funded through a combination of state funds and TANF block grant.

The TANF Plan is required before Alaska can receive block grant funds. The Plan describes major program provisions and outlines who is eligible, program participation requirements, and program benefits.

All needy Alaskan families with dependent children may apply to participate in ATAP. To become part of the program, families establish eligibility based on family composition and need. To continue to participate in the program, parents or caretaker relatives in the ATAP program must participate in work activities within two years.

The ATAP program has set limits. Families may only be eligible for 60 months (5 years) unless the family qualifies for a time-limit exception. ATAP uses the Work First approach to promote family self-sufficiency. ATAP families build on their strengths and actively seek employment. A family completes their own Family self-sufficiency Plan, and an employment assessment.

ATAP benefits include financial assistance to help pay for basic living expenses while a family moves toward economic independence. ATAP may purchase or reimburse the costs of services determined necessary to support work activities such as child care, and job related training.

ATAP families must participate in assigned work activities, complete their self-sufficiency plan, and cooperate with child support enforcement. Minor teen parents must live with a parent or other approved living arrangement and continue their education.

ATAP promotes strong partnerships with local governments, Native organizations, non-profit and profit organizations to promote jobs and identify effective community work service activities.

DHSS evaluates the ATAP program by using data-based performance measures of success. These measures include number of ATAP clients employed, number of ATAP clients with child support payments, and number of ATAP minor teen parents who finish high school or earn their GED.