Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

TANF Program has Open House - P12

Program will be operational September 1st of this year

The new Red Lake Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program held an Open House on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Oshkiimaajitahdah (New Beginnings) in Redby.

TANF will be operational September 1st of this year.

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Plan

SECTION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians intends to operate a Tribal TANF Program (TANF) to assist eligible Indian families in its designated TANF service area (TSA). Those eligible TANF families residing within the designated service area of reservation boundaries located in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties in Minnesota must meet both the financial and non-financial requirements of this plan and participate in work activities as required by the program.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), Section 412, authorizes Indian tribes to operate Tribal Family Assistance programs.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

This plan is submitted pursuant to and in accordance with 45 CFR 286.75.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

The Red Lake Tribal Council has the overall administrative authority for Tribal Departments. Program management responsibilities have been delegated to TANF Department.

PROGRAM MISSION

The primary mission of the TANF program is to help Indian needy families work toward and achieve self-sufficiency through skill building, training and work experience. A secondary mission is to reduce the risk factors that keep Native American families from achieving stability and self-sufficiency through prevention services.

PROGRAM GOALS

The primary goals of the Tribal TANF Program are:

1. Increase the employability of needy families by promoting program services, activities that will support their efforts with: job preparation; work opportunities; personal growth; wellness; and stable, healthy marriages and families.

2. Increase employment opportunities for American Indian families through job training and skill development by developing custom training programs with employers; working closely with the Red Lake Tribal College and Northwest Technical College and General Education Development program.

3. Prevent and reduce unwanted and unplanned pregnancies by providing qualified counseling services, activities that provide peer influence and relevant information to American Indian youth regarding teen pregnancy, healthy choices and personal responsibility.

4. Encourage healthy and stable two parent Indian families by providing opportunities for parents to learn multiple skills that will assist them in developing and maintaining positive, healthy relationships, stable environments for their children; coping with demands of modern families; maintaining traditional values and parenting skills and sponsoring activities that will provide alternative drug-free recreational opportunities.

5. Achieve self-sufficiency and reduce the overall and long term costs associated with welfare dependency by developing achievable work goals and objectives and training that will enable clients to qualify and keep employment that sustains their family.

PERIOD COVERED BY THE PLAN

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians intends to operate a Tribal TANF Program for eligible participants for (3) three years starting October 1, 2011 and ending September 31, 2014.

REVIEW AND COMMENT ON TANF PLAN

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians held a tribal council meeting to discuss welfare reform will review the Red Lake Tribal TANF plan in January and provide input on the plan and receive input from those in attendance on our draft TANF Plan. Notice will be published in a local paper of general circulation advising the public of the meeting and comment and the plan will be made available at the tribal office as well as at the offices at New Beginnings. We also provided the plan to the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Beltrami and Clearwater County representatives regarding training assistance, non-duplication of services, transfer of cases, and the states responsibility of providing equitable access to assistance for services not provided by the Tribal TANF program. The Red Lake Tribal Council passed a resolution supporting the TANF and authorizing its submission to HHS-ACF. The plan will be available for a 45-day public comment period beginning August 1, 2011.

SERVICE POPULATION

Our service population is all Needy TANF eligible families within the boundaries of the proposed TANF Service Area and who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria for the TANF program. "TANF eligible family" means that at least one member of the family group is eligible for either assistance or services. Eligibility for assistance is limited to those families who meets the TANF eligibility guidelines or have a member that is enrolled or is eligible to be enrolled with a federally-recognized Indian tribe. Eligibility for services under TANF purposes 3 and 4 includes all such families as well as Native American families where at least one member was listed or is descended from a person who was listed on the Red Lake Tribal enrollment rolls.

Tribal TANF services will be provided directly by the New Beginnings program which is operated under the direction of an Executive Director, the Executive Administrator and the elected members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal Council.

SERVICE AREA

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF Service Area includes part of Beltrami and Clearwater Counties within the Red Lake reservation boundaries.

FAMILIES IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE

Eligibility for TANF assistance and services is as established in the Tribe's approved TANF plan.

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR CASH ASSISTANCE:

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa TANF plan defines needy families as families with total family income equal or less than 135% of the federal poverty guideline for the provision of any form of assistance as defined below, and as 300% of the federal poverty guidelines for the provision of services or benefits pursuant to TANF purposes 3 or 4.

The TANF Family Group shall include all natural children, step-children, adopted children, and/or relative child (including non-Indians) under the age of 18 living with an eligible adult. In addition all families must meet one of the following:

1. Indian/non-Indian single parent with eligible children or expecting (individuals will become eligible for Tribal TANF Services in third trimester of pregnancy), or

2. Indian/non-Indian two-parent families with eligible child (ren) or

3. Indian needy or non-needy caretaker must be related by blood, adoption or marriage. Non-needy caretakers will not receive assistance.

Only needy families, as defined in the TANF plan, may receive: (a) any form of Federally-funded "assistance" (as defined in 45 CFR 286.10); (b) any benefits or services pursuant to TANF purposes 1 or 2, regardless of the purpose served; and (c) any benefits or services funded with State-provided matching funds (MOE). "Needy" means financially deprived, according to income and resource criteria established in this plan to receive the particular "assistance," benefit or service.

FAMILIES MOVING INTO THE COVERED SERVICE AREA

Needy Indian families moving into the designated service area will receive the same amount of cash assistance and support services as all other families. However, these families must provide evidence of permanent residency within the boundaries of the Red Lake reservation in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties and must withdraw from any other state, county or tribal TANF Program. Due to the fact that the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is in an exempt status from the 60 month time limitation due to the unemployment rate exceeding 50%. Families moving into the designated service area will continue to abide by the 60 month limitation if their case originated outside of the reservation boundaries.

Per 45 CFR 286.115(d) (3), the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF program will not count any month of receipt of assistance by an adult during which the adult lived in Indian country in which at least 50 percent of the adults were not employed.

NON-DUPLICATING SERVICES

All applicants are required to sign a statement certifying that family members are not receiving assistance from another tribal, state or county TANF Program. Information will be disclosed to other TANF Programs to verify non-duplications of TANF Assistance or services if recently moving to the reservation. Social Security numbers for Tribal TANF applicants will be shared with other TANF Programs to avoid duplication of services.

Procedures to assure non-duplication of services will be developed through agreements with state, county and tribal programs where individuals may be dually eligible for services. TANF clients will sign a Non-duplication services agreement form which identifies programs within the reservation boundaries that have the same services available.

PREVENTION SERVICES

The Tribe may use segregated Federal Tribal funds (not State MOE funds) to provide services (and related activities) that do not constitute "assistance" (as defined in 45 CFR 286.10) to individuals and family members who are not financially deprived but who need the kind of services that meet TANF purposes 3 or 4. Objective criteria will be established for participation in for these programs.

The TANF Program will provide Preventive Services to promote the purposes of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). These include the purposes of TANF to prevent the dependence of families on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage. TANF Preventive Services Activities or Programs will be developed by the Tribal TANF Program based upon the needs of the community and will meet the general purposes of TANF, which are:

• To prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies;

• To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families

SECTION 2: TANF ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

TANF Program Unit:

The following persons are included in the TANF program unit:

1. Applicants who meet all non-financial eligibility requirements;

2. The following household members:

a. Parents of a dependent child who is in the assistance unit;

b. Parents of an unborn, as follows:

• If there are no other dependent children in the filing group, both the mother and the father are in the group.

• If there are other dependent children, the mother is in the group. The father is in the group only if he is the father of another dependent child in the filing group or he is married to the mother;

• For payment purposes, the unborn child shall be considered the same as any other dependent child.

3. Except as provided below, include blood- related siblings of a dependent child if the siblings meet all the following non-financial eligibility requirements:

o Age.

o Living with a caretaker relative.

o Citizen/alien status

Minor parents are allowed to apply separately with their dependent children when the minor parent lives with an adult relative who is not their parent.

Indian/non-Indian single parent with eligible children or pregnant will become eligible for Tribal TANF Services in third trimester month of pregnancy. This must be verified by a licensed medical practitioner.

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Non-Financial Eligibility Requirements:

1. Native American: For the purposes of TANF eligibility:

a) For eligibility to receive assistance as defined in the Plan, at least one person in the family must be TANF eligible and/or a member or eligible for membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe and reside in the service area. Membership means an enrolled member of an Indian tribe, regardless of Tribal affiliation, or where an application for membership is pending. An Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. We require participants to provide proof of membership or application for membership.

b) For eligibility to receive services pursuant TANF goals 3 or 4 at least one person in the family must meet the criteria set forth in sub-paragraph (a) or provide proof that they are descended from an individual listed on the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indian tribal rolls.

Residency:

The TANF eligible participant must be a resident of the service area as defined in this plan. There is no minimum time period required to establish residency; however, a person must permanently reside and not be here on vacation or a transient.

2. Citizen/Alien Status: The participant must be a US citizen or have an approved alien status. Participants must sign a statement attesting to citizenship or alien status.

3. Social Security Number: The participant must supply or apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

4. Age/School: Dependent child must be one of the following:

a) Under age 18

b) If 18 and a full time student in secondary school or the equivalent level of vocational or technical training; or,

c) A minor parent whose parents have chosen to apply for benefits for the minor parent. This does not apply to minor parents who are married and living with their spouse.

5. Caretaker Relative: A dependent child must live with a caretaker relative. A caretaker relative is the person, regardless of age, who is responsible for the care, control and supervision of the dependent child and is related to the child in one of the ways listed below. If any of the following relationships are established through marriage, the relationship remains the same even if the marriage is terminated by death or divorce.

a. The biological parent. The following applies when determining if the alleged father may be the caretaker relative when the mother is absent:

i. If there are documents that verify the alleged father is the father of the child, he may be the caretaker relative. If, at a later date, the TANF Program proves he is not the father, he can no longer be the caretaker relative.

ii. If there are no documents that verify the alleged father is the father of the child, he cannot be the caretaker relative until the Tribe legally establishes that he is the father.

b. The biological parent or other blood relative can be the caretaker relative, even if a legal adoption exists, in the following circumstances:

i. The biological parent can be the caretaker relative if the child lives with them and the legal parent (the adoptive parent) has given up supervision of the child.

ii. People who were related to the child through the biological parent may be the caretaker relative if the child lives with them, the adoptive parent has given up care, control and supervision of the child, and the person met the degree of relationship specified in this rule before the adoption.

c. The adoptive parent and any people related to the child through the adoption who meets the degree of relationship specified in this rule.

d. Blood relative or half-blood relative (sharing one common natural or adoptive parent). This includes:

i. Siblings, aunts, uncles, first cousins, first cousins once removed, nephews, or nieces; AND

ii. Persons of preceding generations denoted by the prefixes of grand, great, great-great, or great-great-great.

e. Stepfathers, stepmothers, stepbrothers or stepsisters.

f. The spouse of anyone listed in this Section of this rule.

g. The status of caretaker relative ends when care, control and supervision of the child is given to, or accepted by, another person for 30 days or more.

6. Eligible People: Participants must be one of the following:

a. Dependent child, living with a caretaker relative

b. Parent(s)/caretaker relative of the dependent child

7. Pursuing and Assigning Benefits/Assets: Except for pregnant females and SSI recipients, clients must pursue and assign child support, unless there is good cause, e.g., where members have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty.

Clients must pursue assets to which they have a legal right to claim. Clients must also pursue and assign health insurance and other third-party medical benefits, unless there is good cause, according to specific criteria in administrative rule.

Except for pregnant females with no other dependent children, clients must assist in establishing paternity and in pursuing and assigning child support, unless there is good cause.

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Financial Eligibility Requirements:

1. Resource Limit: The resource limit is:

• $10,000 for all families defined as a Family in Need of Assistance in Section One

• All other assets, i.e.; property, mineral rights, stocks, etc., will be considered as available assets, (exception; land/home located on an Indian reservation and/or a dwelling and associated land owned by a member of the TANF unit and providing the primary residence of the family/unit). Any resources beyond the limit shall be considered available income to the needy family, including equity in other vehicles. Exceptions can be granted in special circumstances, for example burial accounts or inoperable vehicles and /or other assets that are held in trust or have no value. (Refer to Appendix "A" for detailed table) We also will exempt all property that is considered cultural, traditional or for subsistence purposes.

• The program will exempt one vehicle from resource limit

• On a case by case basis, program may waive the resource limit if the resource is reasonably expected to produce employment or income for the family in the future (e.g., wood cutting equipment, tools, etc)

2. Income Limits: For all needy families, all earned income (except the first $225 plus 50% of each additional dollar of earnings will not count as income in determining a family's grant); the remainder will be counted toward the set grant amount. The total income/earnings, (after deductions), shall not exceed the Family grant amount. The TANF Program will exclude all Indian judgment funds or other disbursements that are excluded under federal law. (Refer to Appendix "A" for detailed table)

3. Payment Standards for TANF Benefits: The TANF Program will incorporate the same benefit standards as Minnesota Family Investment Program as Beltrami and Clearwater Counties in the fiscal year 2010.

SECTION 3: PAYMENT OF TANF BENEFITS

TANF ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF Program will provide the following type of services to eligible needy families and their children:

A. Temporary Cash Assistance

The program will provide monthly financial assistance grants to eligible, non-exempt families to meet their basic needs for items such as: shelter, utilities, clothing and other incidental needs and basic necessities. Assistance shave be provided through the issuance of monthly checks, vendor payments, vouchers or electronic benefit transfers.

B. Needy Child Assistance for Non-Needy Caretakers

The program will provide assistance to needy Indian children who are in the temporary care of relative Non-Needy Caretakers. Assistance will include monthly cash grant based on the number of needy children in the Non-Needy caretaker's household.

C. Emergency/Crisis Assistance

Temporary Cash Assistance recipients in crisis will be eligible to receive up to $5,000.00 one year and up to $2,500 of subsequent years to assist them in resolving temporary crisis. This type of assistance may be used for emergency shelter expenses, housing, and utilities when they lose their place or residence or receive a notice to quit, eviction or utility cut off. (Telephone service will also be included if the recipient lives more than a ¼ mile from nearest access). Food, clothing and incidental expenses may also be provided in emergency situations and when needed is verified. Clients receiving emergency assistance for housing or utilities will be required to participate in household budgeting class and vendor pay the housing and/or utility expenses for a minimum of twelve months following the receipt of benefits.

D. Employment and Training Related Support Services

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF Program will reimburse all TANF temporary cash assistance clients or non-custodial parents of needy TANF children for all allowable out-of-pocket expenses related to their participation in a Personal Responsibility Plan. Allowable expenses will include but are not limited to child care, transportation and transportation related expenses, education and training cost, school/work/interview clothing, job placement expenses, professional fees and union dues; other expenses outlined in the supportive services guidelines established by the program and in compliance with federal rules and regulations regarding allowable expenses.

E. Incentive Certificates for Work Activity Participation

The program will provide $100.00 certificates each week for each adult TANF client who participates in and completes a minimum of 36 hours of pre-approved and documented work participation activities. Certificates may be redeemed by participants to purchase a repair a vehicle that will enable them to get to and from a job or participate in job readiness activities. Certificate amounts will be issued in the form of a vendor check only. Sanctioned clients will not be eligible to earn certificates until they are in compliance. Two-parent families cannot combine hours to obtain a certificate. Certificates are based on individuals' hours of participation. This program will not include non-needy caretakers or non-cash assistance clients.

Supportive Services

The program may provide the TANF clients with the following:

(A) Community Economic and Job Development

(B) Domestic Violence Services

(C) Culturally relevant Supportive Services

(D) Childcare and Transportation costs for assisted and non-assisted participants engaged in work activities

(E) Teen Pregnancy Prevention & Education (including DNA Testing and Juvenile Justice Services)

(F) Medical and Non-medical substance abuse services and Mental Health Services and other medical services that are a barrier to employment

(G) Child Welfare Services: Tribal Children and Family Services System for tribal licensed foster homes

(H) Assistance with traditional marriage of a TANF client, as in an incentive to become a two parent family. Premarital/Marriage Counseling

(I) One time Payment of up to $2500 toward outstanding education loans (State or other non-Federal) that are in Default (client must be within 12 months of graduation to be eligible).

(J) A one time payment of up to $2500 toward traffic fines to obtain a driver's license necessary to participation in job preparation, job search, assigned work activities, counseling, and/or to get or keep a job

(K) Short Term non-reoccurring assistance one time crisis, no more than (4) months for TANF clients, i.e., housing vouchers

(L) May provide educational or training activities/non-cash assistance to non-custodial parent of an eligible Tribal TANF family

(M) Transitional and supportive services to families who are no longer eligible for Tribal TANF because of a mix of earned/unearned income for a period of twelve months following ineligibility for TANF assistance. There will be a lifetime limit of $5000.00 for this type of service. The limit will not include twelve months of transitional assistance for transitional child care at standard county rates and transitional transportation and related assistance of $150.00 per month for twelve months.

Depending on available funds, TANF will provide all justified job related or educational costs for participants when related to TANF work participation including, but not limited to, the following: books, uniforms, tuition, educational supplies, childcare, clothing allowance and transportation expenses.

Re-determination of Tribal TANF Eligibility:

Tribal TANF eligibility is reviewed every six months to assure continue compliance with the case plan and eligibility. Re-determination includes having the participant fill out a packet of forms provided directly to the participant and having a face-to-face interview in the office. However, because regular (at least monthly) participant contact is emphasized under the Tribal TANF, re-determination is expected to become shorter and less complex over time.

DIVERSION SERVICES

The TANF Program will provide payment to eligible individuals or families as an alternative to ongoing cash assistance. Individuals/families must be employed, have an explicit job offer, or have a recent work history. A recent work history is defined as having worked within the 90-day period immediately preceding the date of application. Individuals or families must also have a written plan for self-support from earned or unearned income.

The purpose of diversion assistance and support services payments provided under this portion of the program is to provide limited, temporary assistance to families who do not desire or need to participate in the regular cash assistance program and who have the desire and potential capability to move directly into the work force without going into the monthly cash assistance maintenance program. Such payments can be made to a family for up to three consecutive months. The total dollar amount of diversion payments depends upon the specific needs such payments are meant to address, but cannot exceed the total Family Size Allowance payment standard for a three month period of time. There is a lifetime cap of $5,000 per family.

Services and/or items that may be purchased with this payment include:

 Work expenses such as uniforms and tools

 Mortgage, rent or other housing expenses

 Car repairs, inspections, payments, insurance premium payments and other transportation costs

 Child care

 Costs to relocate to secure employment

To be eligible for this initiative, the individual or family must:

 Meet the income/resource requirements and definitive conditions for TANF which are minor child, specified relative and deprivation

 Be employed or have a recent work history

 Have a specific crisis situation or episode of need that, if met, eliminates the individual's or family's need for ongoing TANF cash assistance

 Have a verified plan for ongoing self-support from earned or unearned income

SECTION 4: TIME LIMITS

In accordance with 45CFR.115 (2) & (3 b1) the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF Program shall not limit the time a family may receive cash assistance from the Tribal TANF program to a maximum of 72 months. However, those TANF members moving into the tribal TANF service area whereby the case originated outside of the reservation boundaries are limited to a maximum of 60 months of TANF service unless the case is determined to be a hardship case. Counties of TANF origination will be requested to provide hardship support before Tribal TANF services are granted. For cases that originated outside of the program service area, unless extended for hardship, when a family member reaches the sixty-month time limit, cash assistance to the family will end. The family may still be eligible for non-cash supportive services. Employment within the reservation boundaries does not possess sufficient opportunities to have time limitations with needy TANF clients. The Tribal TANF program will expand job opportunities outside the reservation boundaries in response to the lack of employment resources for TANF clients. The state operated program currently exempts the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and this exemption will continue under this Tribal TANF Program.

The TANF Program will not count benefits received by another Tribal/State TANF Program if the applicant lived on an Indian reservation that had at least 50% not employed, during the time of eligibility for assistance.

The TANF Program will count prior months of TANF assistance funded with TANF block grant funds, except for any month that was exempt or disregarded by statute, regulation, or under any experimental, pilot, demonstration project approved under Section 1115 of the Act.

Hardship Exemption

For cases originating outside of the reservation boundaries, the TANF Program will exempt up to 50% of the caseload from applicable time limits based upon hardship. Hardship exemptions are conditions that hamper or inhibit an individual's ability to maintain work or enter into work activities caused by impoverished conditions and employment availability. On a case by case basis the TANF Program may consider the following categories of cases for exemption from the sixty month time limit considered on a case by case basis, including but not limited to:

 Individuals disability, as determined by a qualified professional, which limits their ability to perform work activities and/or maintain employment

 Single parents with four or more children under 12 years old

 Adult responsible for the care of an elderly, (60 years of age or older) or disabled parent/relative

 Insurmountable transportation difficulties

 A member of the family has to care for a family member with a serious health problem (this exclusion is limited to three cumulative months in a 24 consecutive month period);

 The TANF assistance unit contains only children;

 Both parents are incapacitated or one parent has to care for the other incapacitated parent

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND EXTREME HARDSHIP

Pursuant to 45 CFR 286.75, we intend to exempt from TANF time limits families which have been subjected to extreme cruelty or battery for up to 24 months. Eligibility for this exception must be determined and documented by a Case Manager and approved by the TANF Director based upon TANF Policies.

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians will be establishing and is enforcing standards and procedures that meet the Tribal and federal standards and certifies that TANF polices includes procedures that will:

1. Screen and identify individuals with a history of domestic violence, while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals;

2. Refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services; and

3. The TANF Program will provide waivers, pursuant to a determination of good cause, of TANF program requirements to such individuals for so long as necessary in cases where compliance would make it more difficult for such individuals to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize those who are or have been victimized by such violence or who are at risk of further domestic violence.

Family Violence Waivers of TANF program requirements must:

1. Identify the specific program requirement being waived;

2. Be granted based on need as determined by an individualized assessment by a person trained in domestic violence and re-determinations no less than every six months;

3. Be accompanied by an appropriate services plan that:

a. Is developed in coordination with a person trained in domestic violence;

b. Reflects the individualized assessment and any revisions indicated by any re-determination; and

c. To the extent practicable is designed to lead to work.

SECTION 5: TANF PLAN SERVICES

Approach to Providing TANF and Related Services

On October 1, 2011, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians will implement its Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program on the Red Lake Indian reservation. The base for the Red Lake Tribal TANF program will be located at New Beginnings in Redby, MN. The Red Lake Tribal TANF program will have two offices to serve TANF eligible members within the boundaries of the Red Lake Indian reservation, the main headquarters located at New Beginnings in Redby, MN and a satellite office located in Ponemah, MN.

New Beginnings currently houses the NEW program and WIA, Higher Education, TERO, Child Care, Scholarship Program, Youth Build, and Beltrami County MFIP, MA and New Beginnings will also house Tribal TANF. It also includes 4 large classrooms which includes a 30-student computer lab an AVTI room and secured records area. The area is handicapped accessible and physically accessible to members of the community, service providers and tribal government.

A second office, which will be a satellite office, will be located in Ponemah, MN which is remotely located 30 miles to the north of Redby, MN. This office will be established to provide more immediate and local service to this community whereby creating easier access to services.

THE TANF PROGRAM MAY PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING TANF RELATED SERVICES:

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR FAMILIES IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE

Purpose: Support services payments will be issued to the Tribe's TANF program participants, or directly to the service providers and are intended to enable participants to engage in assigned TANF activities and/or accept and maintain employment.

Kind of Services: The Tribes support services funds will be expended on needs that can not be addressed by other available programs including, but not limited to, the following items:

A. Child care (subject to the policies above)

B. Transportation (e.g., car repairs, insurance, fuel, bus tickets for the purposes of TANF (e.g. attending classes, counseling meetings, reporting, work search, going to and from work, etc)

C. Tools and equipment needed for work or occupation

D. Relocation expenses for employment as related to employment

E. Grooming and cosmetic expenses (e.g., dry cleaning, hair cuts) as related to employment

F. Substance abuse and mental health counseling when other resources, e.g. IHS, Tribal medical services, Medicaid, Insurance, etc. have been exhausted or do not cover these expenses

G. Dental services when other resources, e.g. IHS, Tribal medical services, Medicaid, Insurance, etc. have been exhausted or do not cover these expenses

H. Eye glasses when other resources, e.g. IHS, Tribal medical services, Medicaid, Insurance, etc. have been exhausted or do not cover these expenses

I. Culturally relevant support services for the purposes of TANF

J. Domestic violence services

K. Substance abuse services and mental health services resources, e.g. IHS, Tribal services, Medicaid, Insurance, etc, have been exhausted or do not cover these expenses

L. One time payment of up to $1,000 for the following purposes: a one time payment of education loans (state or other nonfederal) and traffic fines is for the purposes of removing barriers to employment and training (and education) toward obtaining employment or a one time payment toward traffic fines to obtain a drivers license (excluding DUI related fines). This assistance is subject to available funding.

M. Educational or training activities/non-cash assistance to non-custodial parent of an eligible Tribal TANF family for the purposes of improving the non-custodial parent's ability to contribute to the support of the child(ren)

N. Other expenses reasonably related to the purposes of TANF

PREVENTION SERVICES

For the purposes of this section we are using the following TANF purposes:

1. To prevent dependence of needy families on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage

2. To prevent and reduce the incidence of out –of-wedlock pregnancies

3. To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families

Services provided under this section include, but are not limited to, the following approaches that are consistent with the purposes of TANF:

• Traditional values, health and wellness

• Support healthy and stable two-parent families

• Juvenile justice prevention services

• Culturally relevant youth and family activities

• Increase non-traditional educational opportunities for Tribal youth

• Substance abuse education and prevention for families and children

• Youth mentoring and tutoring

• Youth vocational and education development designed to reduce the need for government based assistance

• Parenting skills and classes

COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS

The Red Lake Tribal TANF Program will coordinate with other Tribal service providers (e.g., TERO, Indian Housing Authority, ICWA, General Assistance, LIHEAP) and other welfare related agencies (county, state and tribal eligibility based or work opportunity programs) and will assist applicant's in order to obtain needed services. The Tribal TANF Program will coordinate with the state, county, local high schools, community colleges, universities, and local Native American programs for educational needs and to enhance job opportunities.

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians will use the similar state/tribal memorandum of understanding used by other Tribal TANF Programs in Minnesota and other States to address the transfer of cases and other related information.

Through this cooperation and memorandum of understanding, the Red Lake Tribal TANF Program will ensure that Tribal TANF services and work activities do not displace other workers within the Tribal TANF service area.

CHILD CARE

The TANF Program may provide childcare services to eligible Tribal TANF families participating in approved work activities. For the purposes of transition, childcare services may be made available to families at risk of welfare dependency up to twelve months beyond eligibility of the TANF Program for cash assistance. During this transition period, TANF participants must apply for county or tribal child care funding.

Childcare may be provided by private providers or by contracted state or tribally licensed childcare providers. The TANF Program will provide childcare funds when necessary, after all other sources of funds are exhausted, including payment of childcare for children in the household not receiving TANF but at risk of becoming welfare dependents due to lack of childcare.

TANF Child care assistance may continue for a twelve (12) month maximum, for those families moving off TANF due to a combination of earned/unearned family income that exceeds that TANF base allocation for that family.

Issuance Decisions: Decisions regarding whether to issue a support service payment and in what amount will be made by TANF Case Managers based on assessments of participants' situations and requirements. Initially, there will be no set limitation on the amount of individual payments. However, the program will be responsible to manage within a total TANF budget. If support services expenditures become excessive (or other budgetary considerations require it), specific limits may later be placed on amount and/or kind of support payments the Tribe's TANF program will issue. Under no circumstance will a participant be required to engage in activities for which they need support services but are denied them by the Tribes TANF program or through other local programs. Case Managers will provide written justification for all support service decisions, including why the service is needed as related to TANF purposes and why the cost is appropriate. These justifications will be part of the case file for the TANF unit.

Transitional Support Services: Tribal TANF participants may be eligible for support services payments for up to twelve (12) months after they become employed and lose eligibility for the TANF cash grant due to excess income (i.e., income that exceeds the Tribal TANF eligibility standards). Case Managers will provide written justification for all support service decisions, including why the service is needed as related to TANF purposes and why the cost is appropriate. These justifications will be part of the case file for the TANF unit.

EQUAL TREATMENT

The TANF Program will provide Welfare related services to eligible TANF members that meet all TANF requirements in an equitable and fair method according to tribal values, customs and traditions.

Transition Schedule

The Red Lake Tribal TANF program will begin taking applications from the designated service population effective October 1, 2011. The active MFIP (the state of Minnesota TANF program) will be transitioned over into the financial responsibility and physical possession of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF program in a time table that is agreed upon by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and the counties of Beltrami and Clearwater counties. The following is a tentative timeline for transition:

Clearwater County- October 1, 2011-all cases

Beltrami County- October 1, 2011-250 cases

November 1, 2011-250 cases

December 1, 2011-all remaining cases

SECTION 6: EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Description of Service Area

The Red Lake Indian reservation, located in northern Minnesota, is considered very rural with forests and two large, connected freshwater lakes, together called Red Lake. Reservation boundaries in Beltrami and Clearwater counties covers approximately 407,730 acres called diminished lands, however the entire reservation consists of 837,845 acres covering 1,250 miles.

The reservation consists of 4 distinct communities, Little Rock, Red Lake, Redby and Ponemah. One of these communities, Ponemah, is geographically isolated from each of the other communities and operates somewhat independently.

In 2005 the reservation population was, according to a Labor Force Market Report prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Interior, indicated the population was 10,338 with and unemployment rate of 78%. In 2000 the U.S. Census Bureau identified a poverty rate of 39.5% and in 2006 a Minnesota Statewide Survey of Persons without Permanent Shelter reported an Incidence of Homeless rate of 54.6%.

The Red Lake Indian reservation is located approximately thirty miles north of the city of Bemidji in Northern Minnesota.

EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

The service area for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians TANF program is comprised of part of Beltrami and Clearwater counties. This area is rural in nature with limited employment opportunities. There are no large businesses or major industry in any part of the service area with the exception of the city of Bemidji (not in our service area), which is located approximately 30 miles from New Beginnings and most TANF eligible clients on the reservation. It is an area with an economy that is largely dependent on tourism and the provision of goods and services to the small, rural communities. The businesses are primarily small retail centers, family-owned and family-operated businesses with minimal opportunities for employment.

The primary employer in the area is government employment and two casinos owned by the tribe. The Seven Clans Red Lake casino is within a reasonable distance from most communities, however, Seven Clans Thief River Falls location is approximately 80 miles from New Beginnings. Theses gaming operations consist of restaurants, two hotels and one convention center.

While the employment for many jobs is limited, the population continues to grow charging the tribe with ensuring the development of more employment and creating opportunities through job development in areas not previously pursued such as the city of Bemidji, county of Beltrami, and area businesses.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

2000 Census data indicates that Native Americans are significantly under MHI (Median Household Income), FMI (Family Median Income) and Per capita Income. This clearly indicates significant unemployment or under-employment as compared to the whole population. This is true for various reasons and will be a barrier the TANF Program will need to address. Some of the reasons include:

• High dropout rate for Native American youth that their counterparts- Native Americans have a 4.1% rate as compared to the general population (2.5%)

• 2000 Census Table PCT64: Sex By Educational Attainment For The Population 25 Years And Over indicates that 31.5% of AI/AN do not have a high school diploma.

• The economies for both Beltrami and Clearwater Counties are growing however not keeping up with the population growth the counties are experiencing. Most new employment opportunities are higher tech positions and/or required extensive training and experience. Tourism and related services are also growing.

The development and establishment of a Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal TANF program will allow for the development of culturally sensitive and appropriate interventions for Red Lake Tribal TANF clients and eligible clients to have a better chance of receiving a lasting difference on the lives of their Indian family and on the overall health of the tribe.

SECTION 7: WORK REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Average Participation Hours per Week: The TANF Program can reasonably expect that the following average participation hours per week standards reflect what can reasonably be expected from its TANF participant population. Predictably, a significant number of Tribal TANF participants will have been out of school and/or unemployed for a substantial period of time.

TANF agrees to satisfy the following minimum participation rates as established by the TANF Program and as consistent with economic conditions and resources.

Work Hours Required for All Families (except non-needy caretakers)

Program Year Minimum Participation Rate (hr/wk)

FY 2008/9 20

FY 2010 20

FY 2011 20

One spouse in a two-parent family will be required to participate in a work activity for the minimum number of hours per week listed above for two parent families, (TANF will allow either or both parents to participate in the work activity to meet the minimum requirements, the work hours of both parents can be combined).

These work required for all families are as recognized as carryover identification from the State TANF program which will continue upon implementation of Tribal TANF.

Work Activities Countable for Participation Rates: The TANF program will coordinate with existing state, county, and tribal services or make available to its participants the following employment and training activities. Some of the following activities will be conducted directly by the Program; others will be delivered through contracts with other tribal programs or local service providers. The following list of work activities is not intended to be inclusive. These services are offered subject to fund availability.

 Reasonable travel time to and from work/training site and travel time to childcare provider shall count as time toward meeting participants work activities. Reasonableness of time will be determined by the caseworker based on the remoteness of the participant. Reasonableness shall not exceed 2 hours per day for pursuant of work activities.

 Unsubsidized employment

 Subsidized tribal, private/public sector employment

 Participation in a "NEW" activity, (if and when this service becomes available)

 Work experience and on the job training

 Job search/Job Readiness Training

 Basic Life Skill Development

 Education related to employment

 Satisfactory attendance in secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence in the case of a participants who has not completed secondary school or received such a certificate

 The provision of child care services to other TANF Participants engaged in work activities

 Domestic Violence, substance abuse and mental health counseling, education and rehabilitation

 Small business training

 Life skills training and education

 Culturally relevant work activities based upon tribal culture

 Sheltered/Supported Work: Involves work site job skills and job readiness training coupled with intensive supervision and counseling. The intent of the activity is to assist participants who lack basic job experience and skills to develop them at their own pace in a supportive environment.

 Other activities that are judged to constitute work and which contribute to the employability of the participant.

MANDATORY WORK REOUIREMENTS

TANF agrees to satisfy the following minimum participation rates as established by the TANF and as consistent with economic conditions and resources

WORK PARTICIPATION RATES

ALL FAMILIES (Except non-needy caretaker)

FISCAL YEAR MINIMUM PARTICIPATION RATE

FY 2011/12 15%

FY 2012/13 20%

FY 2013/14 25%

For two-parent families TANF will allow either one of the parents to fulfill the minimum number of work hours required or allows both parents to participate in a work activity and combine the work hours of both parents to meet the minimum requirements.

TANF will exempt single parent families in the following circumstances:

• Parents in their third trimester of pregnancy or from work participation hours

• During the first one year after birth of their child

Participation rates are based upon job availability and the Red Lake Tribal TANF service area unemployment rate, which exceeds 50%, due to the lack of jobs in our service area.

SECTION 8: EXEMPTION FROM WORK PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

LIMITATIONS AND SPECIAL RULES

An individual shall be considered to be engaged in work by virtue of participation in any work activity specified in this plan or approved by the TANF Program in advance.

An individual's job readiness may only count toward work requirements for a total of 6 weeks in any fiscal year unless our Tribe's unemployment rate in our Tribal TANF service area is at least 50 percent greater than the United States' total unemployment rate for that fiscal year, then an individual's participation in job search or job readiness assistance counts for up to 12 weeks in that fiscal year. If job search and/or job readiness activities are an ancillary part of another activity, then there is no limitation on counting the time spent in job search/job readiness.

A single parent with a child under six and over one year of age shall be required to participate at a minimum of sixteen hours worked per week. A single parent with a child under one year of age shall be exempt from any work requirements.

A teen head of household who maintains satisfactory high school, GED, vocational, or college attendance is considered to be meeting the work participation requirements.

Cash assistance will not be terminated or reduced if a single parent caring for a child under the age of six refuses or stops work activities for the following reasons with a certified written statement.

A. Unavailability of appropriate child care within a reasonable distance from the individuals home or work site, or

B. Unsuitability of informal child care by a relative or under other arrangements, or

C. Unavailability of appropriate and affordable formal childcare arrangements, or

D. Chronic illness or medical condition of the child requires the parent to stay at home to care for the child.

Mandatory Work Activities Participation: Unless exempted, all participants will be required to participate in basic education, employment preparation and training (including work experience), and/or job search/job readiness assistance activities. In addition, those participants with significant employment barriers will be offered, and will be required to accept, services designed to help them address and overcome such barriers.

Exemption Criteria: While the Tribes TANF program expects most of its adult and minor parent participants to engage in activities intended to move them toward self-sufficiency, it recognizes that some conditions and circumstances may limit or prevent persons from benefiting from such engagement. The following is a list of conditions and circumstances that will exempt participants from the Tribes TANF work participation requirements.

• Pregnant females who are: (1) in their last trimester of pregnancy and age 18 or over; or (2) experiencing medical complications due to pregnancy that prevents active participation;

• Females during the first one year after giving birth to a child;

• Persons who must do the following to participate in the individual TANF work activities: (1) travel 40 or more miles one way from their home; or (2) remain away from their home overnight;

• Persons age 60 or over;

• Persons determined by the Case Managers and certified by the TANF Director to be unable to participate in TANF activities due to a doctor-certified medical condition or other extraordinary circumstances (e.g., care for disabled or chronically or acutely ill children, elder care).

SECTION 9: GOOD CAUSE CRITERIA FOR NONCOOPERATION WITH TANF WORK REQUIREMENTS

Responsibility for Demonstrating Good Cause: Participants who fail to participate in assigned Tribal TANF activities or who fail to accept and/or maintain employment/work requirements will be subject to sanctions. The exception is when the individual participant has good cause for such failures. It is the responsibility of the participant claiming to have good cause to demonstrate and produce evidence supporting the existence of good cause.

Good Cause Criteria for Failure to Participate in Assigned Tribal TANF Activities:

• Transportation breaks down, or is unavailable;

• Child care arrangements break down or are unavailable;

• Mental or physical illness of the caretaker or a dependent child

• Schedule conflicts with required court appearances or incarceration;

• Extreme weather conditions such as floods, heavy snow, or other serious acts of nature

• Family circumstances or issues of an emergency nature preventing participation;

• Misunderstanding of participation requirement (one time only). This refers to the failure to participate in TANF Work activities and not employment.

Good Cause Criteria for Failure to Accept or Maintain Employment

Good cause exemptions shall be determined by the case worker and certified by the TANF Director on a case by case basis considering the unique facts of each circumstance. Good cause may include the following circumstances or conditions:

• Lack of transportation

• Lack of child care

• Illness statement (verified by doctor)

• Extreme weather conditions such as floods, heavy snow, or other serious acts of nature

Other good cause conditions include, but are not limited to:

• The work adversely affects the person's health;

• The work site violates health and safety standards;

• The wage does not meet minimum wage or piece work standards;

• Required hours of work are in excess of what is customary for the job;

• The job is vacant due to a strike, lockout or other labor dispute;

• The job referral or employer exhibits overt discriminatory behavior toward the participant.

SECTION 10: TRIBAL TANF NONCOOPERATION SANCTIONS

General Principles: Sanctions are intended to induce cooperation with Tribal TANF program requirements on the part of the participants who, without sanctions or the threat of sanctions, would fail to do so.

The sanction process is progressive in the sense that it has graduated levels of response to program violations: the more serious the program violation, the more severe the sanction. In addition, a participant sanctioned at a certain level will be at-risk of a higher level of sanction for future violations. Built into this progressive sanction process, however, is a mitigation factor; namely, that a participant may begin again at the first sanction level after 12 months have elapsed from the date the original sanction was imposed.

SANCTIONS-PENALTIES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS

If an individual in a family receiving assistance refuses to engage in work as required by the TANF in the absence of good cause, TANF may reduce or terminate the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the family for that parent or needy caretaker. TANF may also provide limited assistance for basic needs through a voucher system for those individuals that fail to work or participate in work participation requirements until such time that the individual resumes work requirements. The voucher system will pay for food, utilities and shelter only. We also may impose other sanctions appropriate to the needs of the family and delineated in TANF policy.

Any individual who refuses to complete substance abuse testing or to participate in substance abuse/mental health counseling and/or treatment when referred by TANF shall be placed on the voucher system. The policies and procedures for penalties will be further defined in TANF guidelines.

Termination Due to Fraud: In cases where there has been a termination for deliberate fraud, i.e., collecting TANF benefits from multiple sources, knowingly providing fraudulent information when participant was receiving SSI or was employed independently or deliberate withholding or misstating resource information, the TANF program, at the discretion of the TANF Director, may declare the participants ineligible for a period up to two years.

SECTION 11: RIGHTS AND DUE PROCESS

Notice and Hearing Rights: The TANF will send notice to the participant at least 10 days before taking an adverse action on their case. A participant will have a hearing on a case decision if any of the following applies:

1. The TANF Program has not acted on a request or application for TANF within 30 days of the date the application is received;

2. The TANF Program claims that an earlier TANF payment was an overpayment;

3. The participant is protesting the TANF Program decision to deny, reduce or end benefits.

A request for hearing is complete when the TANF Program Hearing Request form is filled out and signed by the claimant or the claimant's representative and is received by TANF. To be timely, a completed hearing request must be received by the TANF Program not later than 30 days following the date of the TANF decision notice.

A claimant has the right to an expedited hearing if the claimant disagrees with the denial of continued benefits. An expedited hearing will be held within five working days of TANF Program's receipt of the written hearing request, unless the claimant requests more time. Notice of the hearing shall be served upon the claimant either personally or by certified mail not late than 48 hours prior to the hearing time. TANF Program will issue a Final Order within three working days from the date of the hearing.

Disputes involving the TANF Program participants will be resolved fairly, quickly, and at the lowest level possible.

PENALTIES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS

If an individuals in a family receiving assistance refuses to engage in work as required by the TANF Program in the absence of good cause to the contrary, the TANF Program may reduce or terminate the amount of assistance otherwise payable to the family for that parent or needy caretaker or the TANF Program may provide limited assistance for basic needs through a voucher system for those individuals that fail to participate in work participation requirements, until such time that the individual resumes work requirements. The voucher system will pay for food, utilities, shelter and some daily living needs.

Any individual that refuses to participate in substance abuse/mental health counseling when referred by TANF shall be placed on the voucher system.

APPEAL RIGHTS AND PROCESS

During the application process any individual shall be advised of their right to appeal an adverse decision or sanction by TANF decision to deny, reduce, or terminate assistance/services or placed on the voucher system. A written notice of appeal rights, process and time line shall be provided at the time of application and with any decision document whether mailed or otherwise provided.

TANF will provide individuals at risk of losing benefits a notice of adverse actions 10 calendar days before said action will begin. All appeals must be in writing and submitted to the TANF Director within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the notice. The TANF Director will hold a fair Hearing within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the appeal request. The TANF Director will issue a written decision within ten (10) calendar days of the hearing date.

A final appeal of an adverse decision may be made by the participant within ten (10) days of receipt of the decision of the TANF Director. Such final appeal shall be directed to the Grievance Committee whose members shall be appointed by the Executive Director or his/her designee. The TANF Grievance Committee shall be comprised of three (3) individuals that have a demonstrated professional and working knowledge of Social Services, Employment and or Educational issues. The Committee shall schedule a hearing. The time, date and place of the hearing shall be mutually convenient to the committee and the participant. Transportation costs may be provided if need is established. Upon receipt of the appeal, counted as day one, the Committee shall render a decision and notify the participants in writing within ten (10) days. The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding. All appeal periods are in calendar days.

SECTION 12: CONFIDENTIALITY

All TANF Participant Information Is Confidential: The TANF Program will take such steps it deems necessary to restrict the use and disclosure of information about individuals and families receiving assistance. The TANF Program will not release or disclose participant information, except as specifically authorized in administrative rule (according to Tribal Human Resources Policy and Procedure), or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Confidential participant information includes all verbal, written, printed or electronic display of data that can identify any specific participant's name, SSN or address. Confidential data cannot be released in any format, including mailing labels; PC downloads on disk or spreadsheet, or other computer printouts, unless specifically authorized by the TANF Director.

Information Exchange: All Tribal staff receives training on keeping participant information confidential. Each employee is asked to sign a statement that they have read and understood the importance of confidentiality. These procedures are also extended to our partners to ensure that they uphold similar standards on participant information.

Verbal and Written Information: All information related to a participant's eligibility is documented in the participant's case file and kept with other written information pertaining to the participant's case. The content of the file is handled by the Case Manager, but may be reviewed by the TANF Director and other Department Management staff if deemed necessary for the administration of the program.

Information Pertaining to Support Enforcement: The TANF Program will disseminate administrative rules to safeguard all confidential information of participants in relation to establishing parentage; establishing, setting the amount of, modifying or enforcing child support obligations; or enforcing child custody or visitation orders.

SECTION 13: INFORMATION ACQUISITION AND EXCHANGE

Information Exchange: In accordance with established Memorandum of Understanding, the Tribes TANF Program, the county, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services will be authorized for and have access to specific data necessary for the administration of the TANF programs, and to assure that a family receiving assistance under the plan(s) does not receive duplicative assistance from other State or tribal programs funded under this part.

Exchange of Information with Law Enforcement Agencies: The TANF Program will provide information to Tribal or Federal law enforcement officers involved in carrying out public assistance laws, or any investigation, criminal or civil proceedings connected with administering the agency's benefit programs. The agency also will provide the current address of any participants to a law enforcement officer if the officer furnishes the name and SSN in any case of fraud referred for legal action by TANF. Otherwise, no information will be provided to law enforcement officers on participants from case records, conversations or sources obtained because the person is or has been a participant of TANF except as required by Federal law or regulation.

Information Pertaining to Support Enforcement: The TANF Program will promulgate policies and procedures to safeguard all confidential information of participants in relation to establishing parentage; establishing, setting the amount of, modifying or enforcing child support obligations; or enforcing child custody or visitation orders.

SECTION 14: Red Lake Tribal TANF OPTIONS

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians has chosen the following options:

1. The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to establish a family cap.

2. All TANF applicants are required to participate in substance abuse testing during the period of intake. For cause testing will be conducted as deemed necessary by the Program. A positive test will require participants to complete a substance abuse assessment and comply with the recommendations of the Substance Abuse Counselor. This will include counseling, education or rehabilitation programs depending on the substance abuse evaluation. TANF will continue Tribal TANF assistance to the family. In some cases the TANF Caseworker may elect to serve through a voucher system, or deny reduce/terminate benefits until the participant comes into compliance.

3. TANF requires all school age children to attend an approved education program. Regular attendance, verification of enrollment and current status is required. Cash benefits will be reduced, until child (ren) return to school or attend regularly.

4. The TANF Program will apply a two-year denial of benefits to those applicants who have been determined to have fraudulently collected TANF benefits.

5. The TANF Program will have no deprivation requirement.

6. The participant must provide proof of current immunizations of all children in the need group.

7. Any participant receiving TANF benefits from TANF convicted of a felony drug, sexual abuse, or domestic violence crime will be denied benefits for 2 years.

8. TANF will continue to provide cash assistance while an eligible Tribal TANF parent/needy caretaker is in an inpatient substance abuse treatment program with their child (ren) for a maximum of 90 days.

Information Pertaining to Support Enforcement:

The TANF Program will promulgate policies and procedures to safeguard all confidential information of participants in relation to establishing parentage; establishing, setting the amount of, modifying or enforcing child support obligations; or enforcing child custody or visitation orders.

RETROCESSION PROVISION

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians may retrocede the operation of this TANF program to the state and HHS/ACF by 1.) providing written notice to ACF and the State according to the guidelines in 45 CFR 286, and by 2.) meeting all the requirements in 45 CFR 286 for retrocession.

SECTION 15: FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY ASSURANCE

For each fiscal year during which Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians receives or expends funds pursuant to a block grant under Section 412 Of Title I-Block Grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the fiscal accountability provisions of Section 5(f) (1) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450c(f)(1)), relating to the submission of a single-agency audit report required by chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code, applies.

SECTION 16: DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians will comply will all the statutory and regulatory data collection and reporting requirements pertaining to Tribal TANF

Appendix One: Countable Income Matrix

TYPE INCOME RESOURCES

Excluded Earned Unearned Periodic Lump sum Excluded Count*

Adoption Assistance

Special Needs X

Remaining Balance X

Agent Orange

Issued by Any Life and Casualty X

Issued through DVA X

Bank Account X

Burial Arrangement $1,500 X

Burial Space and Merchandise X

Cash X

Cash Contributions X

Civil Liberties Act of '88 X

Disability Benefits X

Monthly Payment X

Other Payment X X

Temporary Disability Ins..(employer-Funded) X

Disaster Relief X

Earned Income Credit (EIC) X

Energy Assistance X

Food Program X

Gifts and Winnings

Non-cash X

Cash X

Income Producing Contract X X

Income-Producing Property X X

Managed 20+ hrs/week X

Non Active Management X

Independent Living Subsidies X

Individual Education Accounts (IEA) X

Inheritance X X

Life Insurance X

Payments to Beneficiary X

Loans and Repayment of Loans

Payments on Interest Portion X

Payment on Principal Portion X

Loans Obtained by Participants X

Motor Vehicles

First Vehicle X

Additional Vehicle X

Older American Act X

Title III X

Title V X

Personal Belongings X

Personal Injury Settlement X

Monthly Payment X

Other Payment X X

Program Benefits X

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act X

Real Property (not home or income-producing) X

Recreational Vehicles X

Refunds

Utility or Rental Deposits X

Merchandise Purchases or Received as a Gift X

Social Security Benefits

Monthly Payments X

Other Payments X X

Social Security Death Benefits (after burial costs) X X

SSI X

Stocks, Bonds, and Securities X

Strikers' Benefits X

Tax Refund X

Trust, if available for maintenance X

Unemployment Compensation

Monthly Payment X

Other Payment X

Uniform Relocation Act X

USDA Meal Reimbursement to Child Care Provider X

Worker's Compensation

Monthly Payment X

Other Payment X X

 

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