In connection to the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, our county is examining different ways to increase our work participation rate (WPR). It appears that all hours of participation must be documented in order to be claimed toward the WPR; the rule states that "A State must support each individual's hours of participation through documentation in the case file." Does your County recognize and count Online Education participation (e-learning) through accredited educational programs (i.e. University of Phoenix, Community College online coursework). If yes, how do you validate the participants' attendance in the activity? How do you determine if the participant is participating fully? Partially? Not at all?

Washington has not terminated any TANF recipients after 60 months, and understands that 18 other states also have not terminated anyone after they have reached the lifetime TANF limit. What other states have not terminated anybody after they have reached their lifetime TANF limit and how are they implementing this?

In Iowa, Income Maintenance workers' caseloads are generic rather than specialized and are primarily comprised of Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF and Child Care. IMs do both Intake and Ongoing management from application through case closure. We are attempting to set caseload standards. If any other state is configured the same way, will you tell us your statewide average caseload? Thank you.

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?