Question about NRSTs for Teen Pregnancy Programs
A representative of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is interested in learning if any states are using non-recurrent short-term benefits (NRST) in Teen Pregnancy Programs.
Record Type:
Question / Response(s)
Date:
April 2021
Source:
OFA Peer TA
Agency/Organization:
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Topics/Subtopics:
- Supportive Services
- Health/Behavioral Health Referrals and Supports
- Special Populations
- Pregnant and Parenting Teens
- TANF Program Administration
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A representative from the Iowa Department of Human Services notes it's unclear whether this question is in regard to expenditures of funds the state receives under its annual State Family Assistance Grant (SFAG), or the new, temporary Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF). If the former, recent ACF guidance on the use of PEAF clarifies that expenditures must be shown to meet the first statutory TANF purpose to: Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. Teen pregnancy prevention programs would not seem to serve this purpose and are typically not dependent on financial need. If the latter, the state would need to be able to demonstrate how teen pregnancy prevention services meet the criteria under 45 CFR 2670.31(b)(1)(i) of being designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need. We suggest that this is an issue best submitted to your regional ACF Office for clarification.
A representative from the Alabama Department of Human Resources indicates that Alabama does not use NRST funds for teen pregnancy programs.