As part of our effort to meet the 50 percent all families participation rate mandated by the June regulations, Massachusetts is exploring the feasibility of stationing Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists in our local welfare offices. We envision the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists as generalists who, in addition to working directly with clients, would be able to conduct outreach to local employers and community service providers. What experiences have other states had with similar initiatives?

The Iowa Department of Human Services is interested in conducting an assessment of the department's 'Family Development and Self-Sufficiency' (FaDSS) program, which provides intensive family development services to TANF families with multiple or severe barriers to self-sufficiency. Are any funding sources available to support an evaluation study of this kind?

A representative from the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency would like to learn about strategies for working with families who have "timed off," now that they are considered "work eligible" under the new federal TANF law?

Are any states counting toward their MOE requirements either cash given to not-for-profit organizations on behalf of eligible families or the value of the in-kind service that the not-for-profit provided to eligible families using that cash or both- for example, a food bank?