WAC 388-452-0010 What does the family violence amendment mean for TANF recipients?

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), also known as the Welfare Reform Act, gave every state the option to have a program to address issues of family violence for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) recipients.

1. For TANF, it is family violence when a recipient, or family member or household member has been subjected by another family member or household member as defined in RCW 26.50.010 (2) to one of the following: 

   1. Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury;

   2. Sexual abuse;

   3. Sexual activity involving a dependent child;

   4. Being forced as the caretaker relative or a dependent child to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities;

   5. Threats of or attempts at, physical sexual abuse;

   6. Mental abuse;

   7. Neglect or deprivation of medical care; or

   8. Stalking.

2. DSHS shall:

   1. Screen and identify TANF recipients for a history of family violence;

   2. Notify TANF recipients about the Family Violence Amendment both verbally and in writing;

   3. Maintain confidentiality as stated in RCW 74.04.060;

   4. Offer referral to social services or other resources for clients who meet the criteria in subsection (1) of this section;

   5. Waive WorkFirst requirements in cases where the requirements would make it more difficult to escape family violence, unfairly penalize victims of family violence or place victims at further risk of family violence. Requirements to be waived may include:

      1. Time limits for TANF recipients, for as long as necessary (after fifty-two months of receiving TANF);

      2. Cooperation with the division of child support.

   6. Develop specialized work activities for instances where participation in regular work activities would place the recipient at further risk of family violence.