A representative from the Colorado Department of Human Services is interested in better understanding what an optimal caseload size and composition for TANF programming may be for other counties and States. For example, what is the average caseload size for your TANF eligibility workers versus case managers? Do your eligibility TANF workers also manage SNAP, Medicaid, and other services for their offices? What proportion of your TANF workers time is strictly devoted to TANF participants? On average, what proportion of each workers job is strictly devoted to TANF case management activities (e.g., client assessment, barrier reduction planning, service coordination, client monitoring, and outcome evaluation)?

A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare/Bureau of Employment and Training Programs would like to know what other States expect of TANF recipients who claim to have a medical exemption that prevents them from participation in work activities. For example, what forms do States use for medical assessment? Can the clients family doctor complete the form, or is the form completed by an independent exam? What activities and hourly requirements are expected?

A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare/Bureau of Employment and Training Programs would like to know what level of participation is expected of a TANF recipient who claims to be unable to get a job or participate in other core-work activities due to lack of transportation (e.g., no drivers license, no access to public transportation, no car, etc.). Please address:

• Do States allot time for the individual to make transportation arrangements, or do they provide supports for transportation assistance?
• What is maximum time allowed to make transportation arrangements?
• What do States do when transportation solutions are not found during that timeframe (e.g., sanction, case closure, etc.)?
• What type of transportation subsidies (e.g., upfront mileage, car purchase, cab fare, gas cards, etc.) are offered?
• What are the maximum benefits provided to the client?
• For how are long transportation subsidies provided?

A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare/Bureau of Employment and Training Programs would like to discuss approaches used by States that take immediate action (and forego written notice) to terminate or sanction TANF benefits based on noncompliance with work requirements. Currently, after a TANF recipient has demonstrated non-compliance with work requirements, Pennsylvania conducts a compliance review to determine whether the non-compliance was willful and within the individual's control. If it was willful, a written notice is sent to terminate benefits, which could include sanction. The notice offers appeal rights and benefits are not closed until a 10 day 'appeal window' has passed.

The Peer TA Network would like to know what strategies States are using to improve low literacy levels among TANF participants in a short amount of time? How are programs structured and what curriculum is being used for participants with or without a high school diploma or G.E.D., but still test at a low literacy level?

The Peer TA Network would like to know how other States are handling drug testing and criminal background check fees for recipients in the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP)?

A representative from Boulder County Community Services would like to know if any local governments have experience with targeting entry-level public sector jobs for low-income workers outside of a subsidized wage or On the Job Training (OJT) program? Boulder County Community Services and another county government is also interested in exploring policies, practices or other strategies to remove barriers to entry-level jobs at municipal and county governments.

A representative from the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services is seeking strategies to increase opportunities for public assistance recipients to maintain bank accounts with the goal of increasing financial literacy and financial management skills.

A representative from the Missouri Family Support Division is seeking information regarding Temporary Assistance diversion payments:

• What is the diversion payment amount (or how many months TA benefit does it equal)?
• What has been the annual cost of the diversion program to the state?
• How many/what percentage of TANF applicants opt for the diversion payment? What restrictions are imposed when an applicant opts for the diversion payment?
• Has the implementation of the diversion program had a positive impact on the TANF Work Participation Rate? If so, what was the overall impact?
• What has been the annual cost of the diversion program to the state?
• How many/what percentage of TANF applicants opt for the diversion payment?
• What restrictions are imposed when an applicant opts for the diversion payment?
• Has the implementation of the diversion program had a positive impact on the TANF Work Participation Rate? If so, what was the overall impact?

A representative from the New York Human Resources Administration would like to know if anyone recommends an assessment tool to measure the employment-related motivation level of cash assistance for clients? New York is looking for a tool that will allow them to compare motivational levels among different groups of clients to determine whether a particular intervention is successful in increasing clients motivation to find and maintain employment.