808.09 Referral to NHEP Teams SR 06-12, 10/06 (FAM-A)

Individuals are referred to the NHEP Team:

• as a condition of eligibility for cash assistance if participation status is determined to be voluntary or mandatory; and

• when participation status has changed (from exempt to mandatory or from exempt to voluntary).

Family/Domestic Violence Standardized Procedures and Documentation

The individual requesting to be excused from NHEP participation under the Family Violence Option must complete Form 754C, TANF FVO Request, and provide any of the following documentation:

• court, medical, criminal, child protective services, social services, psychological or law enforcement records;

• a written statement from a public or private social agency;

• a written statement from a public or private social agency providing family/domestic violence services; or

• sworn statements from individuals, other than family members, knowledgeable of the circumstances.

Exception: If a client is unable to obtain the documentation listed above, accept the signed section on Form 754C indicating that they or a family member are a victim of family/domestic violence and that compliance with program requirements would:

• make it more difficult for the family to escape the family/domestic violence;

• unfairly penalize the family who is or has been victimized by such violence; or

• put the family at further risk of family/domestic violence.

False information provided on the Form 754C will result in the denial of the Family Violence Option request and is referred to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) for fraud investigation if the individual received TANF/UP financial assistance based upon the false information.

Specific Requirements A family may request to be excused from NHEP requirements based on family/domestic violence provided they;

• follow the Family/Domestic Violence Standardized Procedures and Documentation above for documenting and verifying a claim based upon family/domestic violence;

• participate in an individualized assessment; and

• develop an individualized service plan.

A person trained in family/domestic violence must complete both the individualized assessment and the individualized service plan with the client.

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