A representative from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services is interested in learning how other states utilize third-party MOE, specifically: what MOE do they use (other than Pre-K), how do they set up the third-party MOE, and do they use Boys and Girls Clubs of America for MOE and if so, please describe that agreement and process.

A representative of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services is considering the possibility of expanding benefits and services under their Kinship Care program to children placed with non-parent relative caregivers 18 years of age or older in instances where removal from the home is due to the parent(s)’ substance abuse issues. They are seeking information from other states that may currently be offering such services or are considering doing so.
Their questions are:
1. How does the state identify this population?
2. What other agencies does the state TANF program work with to identify and determine eligibility for this population?
3. What funds is the state using to help support the program?
4. Is the state using Opioid Funds to serve this population?
5. What data points has the state established to track/measure?
6. Does the state have a website or a public dashboard that captures statistics for this population?
7. What steps has the state taken to identify this population’s existing and emerging needs?

A representative from California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is interested in learning more about nonrecurrent, short-term benefits*, including how nonrecurrent, short-term benefits are used, how long nonrecurrent, short-term benefits are made available, and to what “breadth” they are provided. CDSS would also like to learn about any innovative nonrecurrent, short-term benefits approaches used by jurisdictions.

*The PeerTA website team acknowledges that states and Regional Offices may vary in their abbreviations for nonrecurrent, short-term benefits (NRSTB or NRST). To ensure consistency and understanding, the PeerTA website will spell out nonrecurrent, short-term benefits.

A representative from New York City’s Department of Social Services is considering their future needs around fraud detection. They are curious how other districts are approaching the possible impacts of generative AI and other algorithmically driven methods to generate large amounts of applications for benefits using fabricated or stolen personal information. They are aware of several commercial solutions for detecting these kinds of fraud, but also acknowledge that the biggest ones have spotty success records and are the subject of litigation in some states.

A representative from California has asked if any jurisdictions have successfully implemented DV/stalking/harassment prevention training and support mechanisms as now required under the TANF Plan Certification. California is looking to improve what they have in place and is interested in learning about what other jurisdictions are doing in response to building capacity in the context of this “new” requirement.

A representative of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is requesting information from any state that is using non-MOE state funds to support two-parent cash assistance programs. For states that use funds in this way, the representative would like to learn about the amount of state funds allocated to the program and approximate numbers of families served.

A representative from the Office for Family Independence at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services is requesting information around how many eligibility staff states have in comparison to their caseload sizes. The questioner is requesting the following:

• For states that have an integrated eligibility system, what is the average caseload for each of eligibility staff member?
• If a state does not have an integrated eligibility system, what are the average caseload sizes per eligibility worker in the state’s Medicaid, SNAP and TANF programs?
• Are programs managed through an assigned caseload or are they task based?

A representative from the New York City Department of Social Services is requesting examples of extending recertification periods to 24 months. The questioner reviewed the Welfare Rules Database, which does not capture data on this policy area. The questioner wants to know if there is any information that captures examples of states or districts that have requested similar extensions or tested similar extended recertification periods, particularly for Cash Assistance programs. The questioner appreciates any information and help that can be provided.

A representative from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services would like to know how other states implement the Income Verification and Eligibility System (IEVS) requirements when a non-profit provides the TANF service (for example, Fatherhood). Further, the representative is interested in learning if states have the non-profits collect the Social Security numbers from recipients and submit them to the state agency to complete clearance on states' IEVS system, or if states have other processes?

A representative of Schoolhouse Partners in Boston would like to learn about how TANF is implemented in schools for students/families and what kinds of programs and resources are implemented. The representative welcomes learning of examples that are currently in practice.