Narrative: m.

Missouri provides multiple programs for Missouri families that meet the four purposes of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.  Funding may be used for eligible low-income clients to support and encourage community development of local initiatives relating to services for families.  Other program services may be provided to needy families or needy parents as defined elsewhere in the Plan.  Programs that support families:

• Activities Promoting Healthy Marriage:  The portion of funding claimed for purposes of TANF MOE are those families served with income not above 185% of the federal poverty level.  The activities funded may include: public awareness campaigns on the value of healthy marriages; programs that enhance relationship and parenting skills; marriage preparation programs and counseling; financial planning classes; divorce reduction and conflict resolution programs; providing job training to improve economic stability.  Participation in these programs reduces dependence on government assistance by promoting job preparation and work, and encourages the formation and maintenance of two parent families.  This program meets TANF purpose 2 and 4.
   
• Activities Promoting Responsible Fatherhood:  The portion of funding claimed for purposes of TANF MOE are those families with income not above 185% of the federal poverty level.  The activities funded may include: involving fathers in the lives of their children; improving father’s economic stability through subsidized employment; financial counseling and planning; reconnecting with their children when returning home from incarceration; and skill-based parenting education.  Participation in these programs reduces dependence on government assistance by promoting job preparation and work, and encourages the formation and maintenance of two parent families.  This program meets TANF purpose 2 and 4.
   
• Alternatives to Abortion: The portion of funding serving families claimed for purposes of TANF MOE are those with family income not above 185% of the federal poverty level, and only allowable services for TANF funding. The goals of the Alternative to Abortion (A2A) program include: improving pregnancy outcomes by helping women practice sound health–related behaviors; improving child health and development by helping parents provide more responsible and competent care for their children so that children may be cared for in their own homes; and improving families’ economic self–sufficiency by helping parents continue their education and find employment which will end their dependence on government benefits. Services are provided to pregnant women and families for up to one year following childbirth. This program meets TANF purpose 1 and 2.

• Community Partnerships – Community Initiatives:  The portion of funding serving families claimed for purposes of TANF MOE are those with family income not above 185% of the federal poverty level with children less than 18 years of age.  Capable Kids and Families (CKF) programs promote early intervention for families who have a child with a developmental delay or disability.  Services provided connect families to community resources and focus on children’s potential for development.  Families feel less isolated, build coping skills, and are able to help their child learn and develop.  By participating in this program, parents are able to provide a safe, secure, structured home environment that promotes the family and responsible parenting so that children may be cared for in their own homes.  This program meets TANF purpose 1.
   
• Data Processing: Data processing costs include the cost are used to support basic assistance program, which is the same as Temporary Assistance. 
   
• Domestic Violence Crisis Services: Services include both shelter and non–residential domestic violence services: meeting the needs of families in a crisis by providing housing, counseling, health supplies, clothing, and related crisis services. All services are less than 120 days in duration. In accordance with 45 CFR 260, the Family Support Division (FSD) has chosen to adopt the Family Violence Option to develop policies and procedures that will enable staff to direct and assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining financial stability.  Identified victims will be allowed good cause waiver from immediate work participation.   This program meets TANF purpose 1.

• Food Bank(s): The portion of funding claimed for purposes of TANF MOE are participants that  include families with children 0 through 18 years of age whose family incomes are less than or equal to 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The Food Banks provide food to emergency food programs, which include local food pantries, soup kitchens, and short–term emergency shelters. This program meets TANF purpose 1.
   
• Missouri Work Assistance (MWA): Missouri Work Assistance (MWA): The portion of funding claimed for purposes of TANF MOE provides services to families receiving Temporary Assistance (TA), whose income must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. MWA assists individuals engaging in job preparation and work activities. The goal is for families to become independent of the need for cash assistance. The MWA program provides services which include the provision of training, education, and employment preparation that will lead to employment within the shortest time possible. An assessment is completed to identify strengths and resources, identify and remove barriers, and prepare and assist them in securing and maintaining employment and self-sufficiency. This program meets TANF purpose 2.

• Parents as Teachers: The portion of funding claimed for purposes of TANF MOE provides services of the program to all parents, regardless of income and/or resources, whose income must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. This program focuses on teaching parents about child development and how to promote learning by their children. It provides activities they can do with their child, and provides resources to the parent not otherwise available. By participating in this program, parents are able to provide a safe, secure, structured home environment that promotes the family and responsible parenting. This program meets TANF purpose 1.
   
• Program Administration:  Program administration costs are used to support basic assistance program, which is the same as Temporary Assistance. 

• Summer Food Service Program: The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) funding claimed for TANF MOE helps assure that eligible families with income not above 185% of the federal poverty level have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. By providing meals with an increased nutrient value SFSP helps reduce the families risk for health problems which enhances the learning capacities of children and their parent(s). The program also improves the quality of the summer programs offered in areas of economic need. This program meets TANF purpose 1.

• Summer Jobs for Youth:  The portion of funding serving youth claimed for purposes of TANF MOE are those with family income not above 185% of the federal poverty level.  The youth participating are between the ages of 16 – 24, or are parents of young children themselves.  Missouri’s Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development in partnership with local businesses and community groups provides jobs for low income youth during summer months.  Participation in the program provides work and supportive services so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.  Participation in the program also decreases the likelihood of dependence on public assistance while preventing and reducing the number of non-marital births for these young adults.  This program meets TANF purpose #1 and #3. 
   
• Utilicare Program: The portion of funding serving families with children under 18 years of age are claimed for purposes of TANF MOE. The Utilicare program helps families with income below 135% of the federal poverty level meet their immediate energy needs. Priority is given to families with disabled household members and children under 5 years of age. The program provides utility assistance to needy families. These families have limited resources for living expenses and may be at risk of termination of utility service and/or eviction. Utilicare helps ensure these children may be cared for in their own homes, providing parents with assistance that will help them to become self–sufficient. This program meets TANF purpose 1.