Civil Rights Training

The implementation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program presents a series of possible challenges and potential opportunities for local administrators providing services for low-income and working families seeking to achieve greater levels of economic independence. In an effort to assist TANF program administrators and stakeholders in understanding the application of Federal civil rights laws regarding discrimination, the Administration for Children and Families, Offices of Family Assistance (OFA) and Civil Rights (OCR) convened a virtual training on the applicable civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination. Covering topics relating to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable laws meant to prevent discrimination against those with disabilities; racial, ethnic, and language minorities, and those of varied ages, the training was in response to technical assistance requests regarding the obligations of State agencies, counties, and service providers administering welfare programs. Facilitated by the OCR, the training focused on all aspects of the TANF program, including applications, assessments, work program modifications, sanctions, and time limits and is the first part of a two-part training series hosted by OFA Region VIII on improving civil rights and HIPPA compliance.