PDFWAC 388-61-001

How does the Family Violence Amendment affect me if I am getting TANF/SFA?

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), also known as the Welfare Reform Act, allowed every state to create a program addressing family violence for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) recipients.
(1) For TANF/state funded assistance (SFA), family violence is 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 any of the following:
(a) Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury;
(b) Sexual abuse;
(c) Sexual activity involving a dependent child;
(d) Being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependent child to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities;
(e) Threats of or attempts at, physical sexual abuse;
(f) Mental abuse;
(g) Neglect or deprivation of medical care; or
(h) Stalking.
(2) DSHS must:
(a) Screen and identify adults, minor teen parents, or emancipated teens getting TANF/SFA for a history of family violence;
(b) Notify in writing and verbally adults, minor teen parents, or emancipated teens getting TANF/SFA about the Family Violence Amendment;
(c) Maintain confidentiality as stated in RCW 74.04.060;
(d) Refer individuals needing counseling to supportive services;
(e) 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. This may include:
(i) Time limits for TANF/SFA recipients, for as long as necessary (after fifty-two months of receiving TANF/SFA);
(ii) Cooperation with the division of child support.
(f) Develop specialized work activities for family violence clients, as defined in subsection (1) of this section if participation in work activities would place the recipients at further risk of family violence.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090, and 74.08A.010. WSR 04-21-028, § 388-61-001, filed 10/13/04, effective 12/1/04. Statutory Authority: Public Law 104-193, Section 103, Subsection 408 (a)(7)(c)(iii), HB 3901, section 103(4), RCW 74.08A.010, 74.04.050 and 74.08.090. WSR 98-07-040, § 388-61-001, filed 3/12/98, effective 4/12/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090 and 74.04.057. WSR 97-20-124, § 388-61-001, filed 10/1/97, effective 11/1/97.]