Parents Under 20 School Rules
Self-Sufficiency Specialists (SSSs) must ensure that any TAFDC applicant under age 20 who must meet the school attendance rule is provided the opportunity to learn about programs in their area and decide how they will meet the school rule.
Meeting School Rules at Application
At application, a parent under 20 must verify that they have met the school attendance rules by completing high school, receiving an equivalency certificate, or through current enrollment in an educational program. When verification is requested, the Verification Checklist (VC-1) is automatically prepopulated on the VC-1. If a parent under 20 applies for TAFDC but is not currently enrolled in an approved educational activity, the SSS must provide them with the local options available. The SSS must develop a plan with the parent on how they will meet the school rules, including referring the client to a Young Parent Program (YPP) provider to plan future enrollment. If the parent or Provider provides proof of enrollment in an allowable activity prior to the end of the application period, the SSS will complete the client’s Pathways to Work Plan after the TAFDC approval.
If the client is unable to show proof of enrollment in high school, a high school equivalency program, or connect with a DTA provider during the application period and all other TAFDC eligibility factors are met, the TAFDC case must still be approved. Following approval, SSSs must explore if good cause or other challenges are preventing the client from enrolling.
SSSs must facilitate direct enrollment in an appropriate activity through co-case management with DTA providers, encouraging attendance at a TAFDC Orientation session or meeting clients in-person while onsite at community providers.
Meeting School Rules after approval of TAFDC and Ongoing
A parent receiving TAFDC who must meet the school rules who does not have an approved Pathways to Work Plan or does not provide monthly proof of their participation, without good cause, may be subject to a sanction. Details on TAFDC Good cause can be found in the Good Cause for TAFDC Rules OLG page.
Important: If a parent under 20 cannot meet the school rules due to domestic violence, they may be eligible for a DV Waiver and should be referred to a DVS (Domestic Violence Specialist).
After a TAFDC case becomes active, BEACON will determine if the client has an approved Pathways to Work Plan on the Monday after the last Saturday of the month. If the client has not been enrolled and does not have a plan, a pending Client Sanction will be created. SSSs will review pending sanctions for clients who are not meeting school rules on the Clients with Pending Work/School Rule Sanctions view, and attempt reengagement and determine next steps.