A representative from the Iowa Department of Human Services would like to know how other States consider self-employment income for purposes of determining eligibility and benefit amount for TANF cash assistance. They would like to know whether other states use actual business expenses as a deduction and/or a flat percentage as a deduction. Do States allow a client to choose actual business expenses instead of the percent and/or a flat dollar amount as a deduction? If yes, what dollar amount, and do States allows a client to choose actual business expenses instead of the flat amount?

The Peer TA Network would like to know if any programs use TANF funds or leverage other public/private funds to offer services specific for addressing the needs of teen parents? Please provide a brief description of the program/project and explain its purpose/mission.

A representative from the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services would like to know if any State has implemented a Subsidized Guardianship Program? The Arkansas State Legislature requested that DWS complete a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a Subsidized Guardianship Program. Please share some information regarding the major decision points (funding, eligibility, etc.) during the decision-making process.

A representative from the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services would like to know which of the 50 states have moved their TANF programs to the Department of Workforce/Employment Security Divisions from Department of Human Services? How are the programs working there? Did the caseloads drop and were States able to get more participants into employment since the move?

A representative from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families would like to know how other States fund TANF case management and job development contracts? This representative is working on a MPA Capstone project focused on alternative funding allocation methodologies for Wisconsin's TANF Program, Wisconsin Works (W-2). Wisconsin contracts with a variety of local providers to provide W-2 services - counties, private for-profit and not-for-profit vendors, multi-county consortia, etc. This representative is interested in examples of pay-for-performance contracting. Policy papers, contract language, Requests for Proposals, etc. would be appreciated, as would general discussion on this issue.

A representative from Turtle Mountain Employment & Training would like to know if anyone knows of funding opportunities available now or in the near future that would service TANF clients in relation to employment and training opportunities?

A representative from Bethany United Methodist Church would like to know if anyone has, or knows of, a financial mentoring program for individuals using Social Service Organizations?

A representative from the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services would like to know if any State uses the Vocational Habilitation disability model to meet TANF work participation and to move generational TANF customers into employment? These are services designed to teach and reinforce concepts related to work, including responsibility, attendance, task completion, problem solving, social interaction, motor skill development and safety. Is it possible to use the approach that Goodwill and other agencies use that work with people with developmental disabilities?

A representative from the Arizona Department of Economic Security/Employment Administration would like to know if States are aware of comparative studies examining performance results based on differing service delivery models? For example, work participation rate results based on face-to-face case management models vs. self-directed job search or performance through data matching?

A representative from Service Alternatives, Inc. would like to know if anyone knows of curriculum that helps to teach soft skills?