Program Description

Program/Practice Description: The goal of the program is to provide participants with a strategic alternative to ongoing basic cash assistance. Although it is a voluntary program, job-ready TANF applicants are strongly encouraged to consider diversion versus going on long-term cash assistance.

Innovations and Results: Many applicants are in need of short-term cash assistance to become stabilized and prevent them from having to enter into the TANF program. Over the past four years Denver County has averaged seven state diversion payments per month. The average diversion payment is $2,011. Recidivism is generally lower for state diversion applicants. Work participation has increased as a result of diversion. This is done in two ways:

• Lowering the caseload denominator of those subject to work participation requirements.
• Focusing staff and resources to assist less job-ready individuals with multiple challenges to participation and employment.

Operations: All recipients of TANF benefits will complete a Job Readiness questionnaire as a part of orientation for the Workforce Development program. Each participant will also complete a Work Readiness Profiler assessment during a one-on-one meeting with the Workforce Development staff who will determine if the individual is a good candidate for State Diversion.