Safety alert: Computer use
can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are in danger,
please use a safer computer, call your local hotline at
1-800-472-2911, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at
1-800-799-SAFE. If you are at a safer computer, click
here to read more. |
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|
Welfare Poverty and Violence Against Women:
What the Research Tells Us |
| A
recent study in Wisconsin found that 70 % of women did not
disclose domestic violence or its impact to the TANF worker.
Their reasons for non-disclosure were that they: |
| 1. |
did not think
that it was the worker’s business |
| 2. |
were ashamed |
| 3. |
didn’t think
the worker had time to help them |
| 4. |
the worker
seemed insensitive |
| 5 |
were afraid of
losing their benefits |
|
| Wisconsin relies
on client-initiated disclosure, and that may contribute to the
low rates as well. (Moore & Selkowe, 1999) |
 |
This study
found that response rates were substantially higher to
direct questioning by workers than they were from
providing information about the Family Violence Option
(FVO) and waiting for women to self-disclose (38% vs. 6%
in Minnesota). More important, this study reported that
the women themselves said it is better to ask directly
about violence. (Griswold, Pearson, & Thoennes, 2000). |
|
|
A Texas study
reports that for those women who did require a waiver, its
availability met a vital safety need. For some women, the
waiver kept them from being sanctioned when an abusive
partner interfered with their ability to keep appointments
or attend class. For other women who needed time to get
their lives in order or to make arrangements for custody
hearings or child support appearances, the waiver allotted
the time required. (Lein ET al., 2001). |
|
|
One of the
principle provisions of the FVO is the availability of
work and time limit waivers and exemptions; however
findings suggest that waivers and exemptions may not be
the primary value of the FVO. If the FVO can be a vehicle
for delivery of prevention and intervention services, it
may be a useful tool in increasing women’s safety and
long-term well-being by preventing premature job
placement, increasing support for safety during employment
and maintaining a viable safety net if abuse continues.
(Tolman & Rapheal, 2000) |
|
|
Safety
considerations should be reflected in TANF protocols
covering the entire process: initial screening, all
written notices, all programs referrals and job
placements, and all sanctioning considerations (Davies,
1998 and 2000). |
|
|
TANF
and Domestic Violence in North Dakota: |
| The Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families program in North Dakota can be
accessed through the county Social Services offices. A Case
Manager is assigned to an applicant to help determine
eligibility and meet the requirements of assistance under
TANF. |
| One provision
provided under the current TANF program is the Family Violence
Option. The Family Violence Option in North Dakota mandates
screening for domestic violence. It provides for referral to
specialized services, and provides temporary exemptions from
TANF requirements to enable battered women to have the time,
services and support they need to address domestic violence as
a barrier to self-sufficiency. |
| Victims of
domestic violence who qualify for TANF benefits will be
referred to the nearest domestic violence advocate for safety
planning and supportive services. Supportive services can
include counseling, women’s group, legal advocacy and shelter.
The advocate may also suggest that alternative work activities
be implemented until needed supports are in place. |
| The
implementation of the Family Violence Option in North Dakota
is a cooperative effort among the North Dakota Department of
Human Services, Job Service North Dakota and local domestic
violence programs. For a printable brochure on the Family
Violence Option in North Dakota
click here. For more information, contact NDCAWS at
701-255-6240. |
|
North
Dakota TANF Caseload: |
| North Dakota’s
TANF caseload continues to increase. Currently, 3,121 families
received TANF benefits in December 2001, an increase of 303
families from December 2000. If the trend continues, TANF
expenditures in the state may be $3 million more than
estimated for the 2001-03 biennium. |
| Families that may
be impacted by the 60-month limit on TANF benefits are being
assessed. Based on January 2002 caseloads, 47 families may
receive their 60th month of assistance by December 2002. Half
of these cases may be eligible for a hardship exemption that
will allow them to continue receiving assistance beyond the
60th month. In addition, approximately 40 percent of these
families are earning wages and would qualify for child care
and other support services after they reach the 60th month.
Families that become ineligible for TANF may be eligible to
continue to receive food stamps, Medicaid, heating assistance,
and child care assistance. |
