The Notice provides guidance to CWDs regarding the inclusion of on-line courses in a WTW plan and when it is appropriate to provide CalWORKs supportive services for individuals participating in approved on-line courses. This ACIN does not address study time (wait for that with bated breath). Bottom line: on-line courses are a form of eduation, and CWDs must allow on-line courses as an activity if they are consistent with the participant’s assessment and participation can be verified. However, if the assigned activity is available in more than one format, counties may adopt a policy of requiring one over another. CWDs have written standards on the approval of on-line courses, and must apply their policies equitably to all participants. CalWORKs participants assigned to on-line courses are eligible for supportive services including transportation, ancillary expenses, and child care. Child care services shall be provided based on the individual’s need for the services, taking into account scheduling and other factors, such as other WTW activities, transportation, disabilities, and other factors that may render it necessary to take the on-line course at a time other than during school hours. CWDs cannot deny child care on the basis that the course could be taken during night hours when the children are sleeping. Another letter will be issued on verifying participation and hours. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
Author: Webdog
ACL 08-31: New Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) Agreement For Foster Youth (7/18/08)
Latest rules and forms for transitional living plans for teens 15 ½ and 16. The TILP describes the youth’s current level of functioning, identify emancipation goals, services, activities and individuals assisting the youth in the process of obtaining self-sufficiency. The new form is effective immediately. The plan is to be a collaborative effort if the youth, the county social worker/probation officer, the caregiver and/or other dedicated adult(s) in the youth’s life. It must document 1) Goals identified by the youth 2) Any supportive activities necessary to ensure that the youth reaches his/her goals 3) Who is responsible to perform the supportive activities 4) A target completion date for achieving the goals 5) Progress toward reaching the goals (and check boxes to mark off completion). [Download]
ACIN I-38-08: Child Care Fraud Indicators Tool (7/31/08)
The Notice provides an updated (since 2001) “tool” for spotting potential child care fraud indicators. The tool is not mandatory, and the Notice reminds counties that the indicators are not proof of fraud, but rather just suggest that “further attention” may be warranted. Attached are a “Desk Guide” (missing key explanatory information) and an “Instructional Guide” (with more useful information). [Download]
ACIN I-56-08: Adult Protective Services County Contact Information (8/4/08)
The updated list of County APS contacts. [Download]
ACL 08-37: 2008 Farm Bill: Mandatory Changes Effective October 1, 2008 (8/1/08)
Figuring out Food Stamps will now be a snap, with the renaming of the program….“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program†or SNAP is the new national food program. Contingent on a state budget, the following changes impacting recipients will be effective 10/1/08: 1) the standard deduction will be raised to $144 and indexed it to inflation starting in FFY 2010; 2) removes the cap on dependent care expenses; 3) adjusts the asset limit to inflation (don’t get your hopes up, the trigger is not expected to be reached until 10/2012!); 4) excludes all tax-preferred education accounts and retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs), from countable resources; 5) increases the minimum benefits amount, indexed to inflation, from the current $10; 6) increases the time to preserve benefits in inactive EBT accounts.
Other changes are pending federal implementing regulations. [Download]
ACL 08-29: Statewide Policy Regarding The Recertification Process Requirements In The Food Stamp Program (6/25/08)
Clarification of the recert process for Food Stamps and new notices. The new forms must be used starting no later than January 1, 2009. No more check box that says “call your worker.” Instead, the county must send one notice listing the end of the certification period, and another with an actual appointment date. The appointment letter states whether in person or by phone. [Download]