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 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 how other States are handling drug testing and criminal background check fees for recipients in the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP)?

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.

A representative from the Oregon Department of Human Services is interested in learning about innovative strategies/best practices for intensive, short interval case management of TANF clients.

A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare would like to learn about a verification process for when a client does a job search activity? Do States accept client statements for the number of hours of independent job search (such as out and about putting in applications and online applications which could be submitted from home)? Pennsylvania wants to see if there is precedent in other plans that the Feds have approved. Thanks from PA!

A representative from the Peer TA Network would like to know what job development strategies and specific curricula TANF programs have used to result in successful job placement and retention for TANF participants? This could include employer outreach, labor market research, subsidized employment and transitional jobs, strategies for special populations, using workforce intermediaries, and training for frontline workers.

A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare would like to know what states do to manage employable TANF clients by allocating TANF payments (after-the-fact) based on participation?