Does someone you live with or someone
in your family make you afraid by
threatening, yelling or physically
hurting you or your children?
We want you to be safe. Ask
the receptionist or your
worker for more
information about our
domestic violence help!
AFS - 1541 (Rev. 7-00)
About this power point…
• This power point is an adaptation of a retired
net-link.
• Each question or scenario will be followed by
a gray screen where the answer or
considerations will be displayed.
• If you have additional questions about the
information on this power point – contact
Carol Krager at (503) 945-5931.
Temporary Assistance For
Domestic Violence Survivors
(TA-DVS) And TANF
Objectives
PTo gain an understanding of TA-DVS and
TANF when domestic violence is present
PTo practice decision making around TADVS
PTo develop an understanding of resources
that you can use in domestic violence cases
THE BASICS
These basics apply to both TA-DVS and
TANF
Domestic Violence Intervention
Expectations…State and Federal law
• Identify survivors of domestic violence
• Develop alternative service plans for survivors
of domestic violence that include:
– Individualized assessment of domestic violence
related needs
– Individualized case management with domestic
violence service providers
– Development by staff trained in domestic violence
– Counseling and support services when appropriate
– to the extent possible activities that will lead to
work
• Maintain TA-DVS eligibility and payment limits
at the level in effect in 1997
• Maintain confidentiality for survivors of
domestic violence
What is abuse?
• . . .physical injury or
emotional, mental or
verbal abuse
• . . .fear of imminent
serious physical injury
• . . .sexual abuse
• . . .coercive or controlling
behavior
Between Who:
• family members
• intimate partners
• or household
members
Considerations:
• The Self-sufficiency definition (given to
us in statute) varies from definitions
used in other disciplines,
• It also varies from the criminal
definition,
• And may vary from your local domestic
violence service provider definition.
Question?
Locally, how do you know if someone
is a victim of domestic violence?
Possible Responses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
From Questions on the Application
Community referral
Self-Disclosure
Visible Injury
Safety Assessment (7802)
Employment Readiness Screening Tools
(7823)
Principles when working with
domestic violence survivors
• Believe the survivor about the abuse
• Understand that the survivor is not
responsible for the abuse
• Collaborate with local domestic violence
service providers
• The survivor needs to make her own
decisions
• Understand that it may take time for the
survivor to focus on self sufficiency
• Waiving or modifying TANF (including TADVS) requirements that make it more difficult
for families to escape violence or puts them
at further risk of violence…
– Identify specific program requirements that are
waived
– Waivers should be granted by someone trained in
domestic violence
– Waivers are granted for as long as necessary with
a review no less often than every six months
– Waivers should be accompanied by a case plan
that is developed by someone trained in domestic
violence
– Allow domestic violence survivors to receive TANF
that would otherwise be eligible expect for the fact
they are non-citizens
Waiving Requirements in
TANF & TA-DVS
• When there is
a risk of
further or
future
domestic
violence, we
can waive
requirements
including, but
not limited to…
• Non-financial requirements
such as...
– Client being in her in last
month of pregnancy
– Citizenship requirements
– Children out of home for more
than 30 days
– Residency
– Other non-financial
requirements that may put the
client at greater risk of
domestic violence
Financial requirements
such as...
Work or JOBS requirement
such as...
– Income controlled
by the abuser
– Income used to flee
the violence
– Other financial
requirements when
pursuit could put the
client at further risk
of domestic violence
– Required hours of
participation
– Specific activities that
would put a client at risk
– Job quits due to domestic
violence
– JOBS penalties
– Other work requirements
when participation could
increase the risk of
domestic violence
• In addition, other program
requirements can be waived if there
is a continued risk of domestic
violence including:
– Penalties
– Paternity establishment and child
support
– Time limits
Family Services Manual Reference:
• TANF - Section K
Scenario
• Niah came in to apply for TA-DVS and TANF.
She entered the United States on a visa that
is no longer valid. She is very afraid that she
and her children will be deported. Her
verbally and physically abusive husband has
threatened many times to call INS. Niah
meets all the eligibility requirements for TANF
and TA-DVS, except citizenship. How can we
help Niah and her children?
Possible Responses:
• We could waive citizenship
requirements for Niah and her children
• TANF could be an option
• Referral to Local Domestic Violence
Service Provider
• Referral to Immigration
Counseling/Legal Aid for possible VAWA
self petition
Temporary Assistance For
Domestic Violence Survivors
TA-DVS
The Intent of TA-DVS
• TA-DVS is intended to provide temporary
assistance and support to families affected by
domestic violence during a crisis
• TA-DVS is used to help the domestic violence
survivor and the children to address their
safety concerns and to stabilize their living
situation to reduce the likelihood of returning
to the abuser
• TA-DVS is most often used to help the
survivor flee domestic violence or to remain
free from the violence
TA-DVS in Brief. . .
• The TA-DVS payment standard is, the minimum
needed, up to $1200.00, to help a client flee or stay
free from abuse
• The TA-DVS program is open for 90 days
• If eligible, the client can receive TA-DVS more than
once a year. All second applications within 12 month
period, that otherwise meet eligibility guidelines,
must be jointly approved by central and field offices.
• Safety concerns should be assessed within 8 working
hours and a plan developed that focuses on safety
• Eligibility must be determined within 16 working
hours
• Remember, you can waive citizenship and other
requirements for survivors of domestic violence when
there is risk of continued domestic violence
Types of Help available
•
•
•
•
shelter and housing needs, including repairs
relocation
emergency food or medical help
help with personal or household items left
behind when fleeing,
• help with items that contribute to the safety
of the household (i.e. locks, phones, etc.)
Considerations:
• There are some things we don’t pay
for…
– Cars or car payments
– Guns or weapons
– Self-defense classes
– Pets or pet fees
Scenario
Jasmine has qualified for TA-DVS. She came in
to say she found a house. She needs $400.00
for rent and a $250.00 deposit. Since she had
to leave every thing behind when she fled, she
would like the rest of her TA-DVS money to
buy furniture and set up her house.
• How much money does Jasmine qualify for?
• How would you work with Jasmine to help
her get set up in her house?
• How long does Jasmine have to use TA-DVS?
Answers:
1. Up to $1200.00
2. Work with her to access community
resources; low cost alternatives;
essential needs
3. 90 days
Eligibility
Processing Time Frames
• The date of application is the date the client indicates
on an application or via a phone call that they need
to flee abuse or remain free from abuse
• The Case Manager must assess the clients safety
needs within 8 working hours and determine
eligibility within 16 working hrs
• The 90 days starts the day the client is found to be
eligible.
• A decision notice (456 or 456DV) must be generated
within the same 16 hours (hand deliver whenever
possible)
• TA-DVS applicants/clients are eligible for expedited
hearings
Considerations:
• Hand deliver DV notices whenever
possible. Do not mail unless you know
it’s to a safe address.
Non-Financial
Eligibility
Non-Financial Requirements
• The client must have safety concerns based
on domestic violence
• The survivor must be a parent, caretaker
relative or be pregnant
• Waive other requirements (except those
noted above) that put a person at risk of
harm by domestic violence
• Child support should only be pursued if the
client requests it as part of the case plan
• Client must be a resident of Oregon but there
doesn’t have to be an intent to reside.
Scenario?
Maria is applying for TA-DVS. She is six
months pregnant and her husband has been
getting increasingly abusive. He has been
controlling every moment of her time, saying
that the baby isn’t his and that he will kill the
baby if it doesn’t look like him. Maria has no
other children. Maria is very afraid. She
wants to move but is afraid of how he will
react. What type of services can we provide
Maria?
Possible Responses:
• We can provide her with TA-DVS to flee
and
• TANF
– because we can waive the pregnancy in 9th
month requirement
• Other Self-Sufficiency Program Services
• Community Resources
Financial Eligibility
Income Standard
Use the TANF countable income standard,
but. . .
Financial Eligibility Requirements
• Only count income that is immediately
available to meet the emergent need
• Do not count income controlled by the abuser
• Do not count income unavailable due to
circumstances beyond the control of the
survivor
• Do not count income which is unavailable
because it’s needed for expenses necessary
to escape the abuse
Example:
• Judy was paid on Friday. She used her
income to pay her bills, rent and buy
groceries. On Saturday her husband beats
her up. She’s comes in on Monday to apply
for TA-DVS. She doesn’t get paid again for
two weeks. We only count the money she
has immediately available in determining
eligibility.
• We can ask her to use future income to help
meet her future needs.
Financial Eligibility Requirements Continued
• TANF grants are not considered income for TA-DVS
but can be considered in meeting the needs of the
household.
• Do not require the survivor to pursue assets, income
or resources, if doing so would increase the risk to
safety (e.g. jointly owned property; joint bank
accounts; etc.)
• Exclude resources when determining eligibility but
consider liquid (cash) resources as part of case
planning to meet emergent need
• If a client is working or receiving other funds, you
can consider those in meeting the emergent need.
Considerations:
• If the client is in crisis, it’s not time to
negotiate.
• Provide any immediate needs and then
reschedule to do complete case
planning.
Scenario?
Corina has a full time job. She gets paid twice
monthly. Her checks are direct deposited into an
account with her husband. He handles all the
finances. She doesn’t even have a check book.
Last night her husband was arrested for
assaulting her. Corina is very stressed. She
wants to leave, but knows it will take at least a
month before she can get the paperwork
processed for having her checks taken out of
direct deposit. Her child is at her mothers
temporarily. Corina’s income puts her over the
TANF income standard. How can we help her?
Answer:
• Even though Corina makes the money
you can see how it is not available.
• We don’t have to count the income and
we can help her with TA-DVS.
• We would also want to refer her to the
local domestic violence service provider
for support.
Verification
Verification
• Accept the client’s statement regarding
abuse and domestic violence
• Accept the client’s statement of
emergent need
• Verify other TANF eligibility
requirements, if questionable and in
time to meet emergent need
Considerations:
• Things frequently verified, if
questionable…landlord; pregnancy; the
child being in the home.
• If you feel that the client is giving false
info the DV Service Provider can be a
great resource in identifying whether or
not DV is the issue
Scenario?
You know that you shouldn’t ask for
proof of domestic violence, but Shelley
is coming in for the third time asking for
TA-DVS. Her brother has been verbally
and physically abusive and you can’t
figure out why she keeps letting him
back into her life. What would you do?
Considerations:
• Talk with the client about her safety concerns.
• Explain your concerns for the children and ask her
about her brothers behavior.
• Ask what help she has tried.
• Let her know that TA-DVS is not met to be used
repeatedly.
• How can we help her this time to stay free from the
violence.
• Try to connect her with local DV resources…support
group; counseling, etc. If appropriate.
• If this would be a 2nd issuance within 12 months,
contact Central Office at (503) 945-5600.
The Domestic Violence Assistance
Agreement and Case Planning
Safety is the Primary Concern when
working with victims
• Interview a domestic violence survivor (or someone
you think may be a survivor) about domestic violence
in a private and confidential location. (never in the
presence of a suspected abuser)
• Always respect confidentiality
• Avoid colluding with the abuser, he may attempt to
get you to side with him against the survivor
• Avoid asking questions that put the blame on the
victim (e.g. What did you do to cause him to hurt
you? Why don’t you leave? Look at what you’re
doing to your kids?)
What brings the client to DHS?
• Gather information. Is there a history of violence?
• Assess what current safety concerns the survivor may
have related to domestic violence
• Assess what help they have already tried and how
that worked for them
• Ask about other systems the client may be working
with (e.g. the court system, DV service provider,
sexual assault services, victims assistance)
• What would the client like to have happen?
What help is the client needing?
• Are they fleeing? Do they need to move to a new
location or do they want help to stay safe in their
home?
• Are their resources in the community the client hasn’t
tried? Housing programs; DV support groups; victims
assistance through the District Attorney; crime
victims compensation; legal aid services; etc.
• What partners should be involved in the planning?
• What steps will address the clients needs? Locating
housing; moving out of state; changing locks; finding
employment; etc.
• What financial resources (TA-DVS and/or JOBS
support services) are needed?
Scenario
It’s 4:00 o’clock on Friday afternoon.
Mary Ann is in your office. She is
currently on TANF. She has a splint on
her arm and a black eye. She has never
disclosed domestic violence, but you have
had suspicions in the past. What would
you do?
Considerations:
• Inquire about the bruises by saying
something as simple as: “ That looks like it
hurts.”
• If DV is disclosed, ask her about her safety
concerns; is she safe at home. If yes, let her
know there is a 24 hour crisis line.
• If she discloses she’s not safe, explore places
she can stay, provide info about the shelter.
Offer TA-DVS.
• If she doesn’t disclose explain TA-DVS as if
you were describing any program; let her
know about the shelter and hotline; (I.e. DV
is so common we tell all of our clients….)
Domestic Violence Assistance Agreements
should include…
• Activities that will address immediate safety needs what’s important to her now?
• Activities that will address stabilization from domestic
violence – what does she need to continue to remain free from
domestic violence?
• Collaboration with partners – who is she working with
now? What other partners may help meet her needs?
• Agreed upon payments – what support services does she
need to complete the plan? If she’s eligible for TA-DVS what
payments will help her stay safe or free from domestic violence?
• Future housing plans – does she have resources to pay
future housing costs?
• Follow-up appointments if needed
Requirement:
• Use the Domestic Violence Assistance
Agreement - DHS 7823 as the case
plan.
• The PDP in TRACS can be used if you
also use the “DV Assistance Agreement
Supplemental Narrative.”
Helping clients to overcome the
effects of domestic violence
• Provide the survivor with all known options
• Acknowledge the steps she's taken to keep
herself and her children safe
• Dispel myths the abuser may have used
against her (e.g. It’s because I drink; I’ll go
to counseling; it’s your fault; no one will
believe you)
• Take small steps and build on those successes
• Develop plans that include the children
Considerations:
• We would not give the client TA-DVS is
she remains with the abuser, but we
could offer her referrals and let her
know that when she’s ready, we can
help.
• Avoid jumping to conclusions about what the
client should do to keep safe
• Stay open
• Consider consequences, help the client decide
what option will produce the most good or
least harm
• Be clear about any mandatory requirements
of the program (such as pursuit of child
support/mandatory child abuse reporting)
• Monitor or modify the plan as needed
Scenario?
• Kathy lives in a small town. Her boyfriend
put her in the hospital and it was written up
in the newspaper. Luckily, Kathy’s children
were not home. Kathy came in to apply for
TA-DVS. She wants to move so her abuser
can’t find her, but she doesn’t want to leave
town. She’s been a difficult client in the past.
You feel that it would be safer for her to
move. What would you do?
Possible Responses:
• Talk to her about your concerns for her
safety.
• Ask her if she’s considering moving?
• Let her know that we can help if she decides
to move.
• Ask her what support she has available to her
if she stays her in home (family, friends, other
help).
• If she decides to stay in her home, it’s her
choice.
• Recommend she work with a local DV service
provider to develop a safety plan.
Looking at the decisions you make
• Could your client suffer physical or emotional
harm?
• Is your decision supported by policy?
• Is the decision you made based on personal
bias?
• If the decision adversely affects your client,
what alternative resources have you offered
them?
• Did you make the best decision you could
with the information you had at the time?
Computer Stuff
TA-DVS Program Coding
• Program Code:
– E2
– If open use the program code (e.g. 2, 82, M5 or
P2)
• Case Descriptor:
– When added as an E2 case, the NCP and NID
case descriptors are required
• Need/Resource Code:
– DVS
– Use first month of TA-DVS eligibility for
need/resource date
Benefits Issuance
• Issue by 437 (special pay process)
• Use pay reason code 22 for domestic
violence
TRACS Coding
• Narrate plan in TRACS or compete TRACS
PDP if it’s safe to do so…
• Consider the TRACS TA-DVS addendum to
determine TA-DVS eligibility and identify
safety issues…
• Use DV activity code on TRACS if in domestic
violence intervention activity…
• When waiving a TANF/TA-DVS requirement
code on TRACS Plan using DV Waiver Code…
• Issue support payments using the JASR
system…
Coding DV Waivers
Using TRACS
• Narrate domestic violence on TRACS unless
it’s not safe. It may not be safe if . . .
– The abuser is on the case
– The abuser works for DHS or a partner agency
that has access to TRACS
– The client believes that abuser may have some
access to the records (e.g. the abuser works for
law enforcement, a government agency, or is a
computer hacker)
• You can use an Alias on the system if there is
no other safe way to record info. ALWAYS
staff this with your manager.
Question?
What types of information would you
narrate?
Possible Responses:
• Narrate safety concerns…visible injury, what
happened, what the client is afraid might
happen; the abuser name; restraining orders,
etc.
• Narrate the plan…steps to address safety and
stabilization, referrals, coordination with
partners, follow-up
• Narrate payments
• Narrate child support good cause; address of
record; claim of risk
• You can use the TA-DVS addendum if
appropriate
RESOURCES
Knowing where to look!
• DHS - There is DV WEB site at
http://www.dhs.state.or.us/abuse/domestic/index.htm
• The site includes a map of domestic violence service
providers. This map allows you to access information about
shelters and domestic violence services across the state.
• Domestic violence service providers are your best resources
when working with survivors of domestic violence.
• Legal Aid Info – WWW.Oregonlawhelp.org
Training Resources
• Register on-line for:
– DV 101 available through your local
provider or in Salem
– DV Policy and Case Planning for SS
programs
– Net-links related to DV
• You can access videos and books about
domestic violence through the Employment
Services Work Team – Contact Carolyn
Palacios (503) 945-6103
The policy
• You can get many of your questions
answered by looking at TANF Section K and
the TA-DVS chapter in the Family Services
Manual.
• In addition, Multiple Program Worker Guide
#12 is a quick reference guide for policies on
domestic violence in Self Sufficiency
programs.
Other Programs
•
•
•
•
TANF
Food Stamps
Medical
Employment Related Day Care
Thank you for your support of victims
of domestic violence!