U.S. Dep't of Health and Human Servs. and Or. Dep't Human Servs.

No. 2004 OCR-DHS (U.S. DHHS Aug. 6, 2004) ; Clearinghouse Number: 55776

Description

Oregon Department of Human Services Agrees to Assess Applicants and Recipients for Disabilities that May Prevent Them from Participating in TANF Program

Abstract

The Oregon Department of Human Services entered into a voluntary compliance agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on how Oregon department would identify and respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities in the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. In its complaint filed with HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, Legal Aid Services of Oregon alleged that Oregon department discriminated against eight individuals by failing to provide appropriate assessments and modifications of work programs, sanctions, and time limits to accommodate their disabilities. The agreement requires Oregon department to offer an initial screening to all TANF applicants or recipients to determine whether a formal assessment to identify a specific disability affecting the applicant’s or recipient’s participation in the TANF program is necessary. Clients referred for formal assessment are not to be sanctioned for nonparticipation when they are undergoing the assessment process and an aspect of their disability is found to have caused their nonparticipation. Oregon department is to ensure that recipients’ case plans include information about activities and accommodations that have been made as well as accommodations requested or recommended but not made. Specific procedures are to be developed to ensure that case managers have the necessary tools to accommodate clients with disabilities. Specific policies and procedures are to be developed to ensure that disability-related problems are considered before sanctions are imposed on clients. Oregon department is to designate a TANF/Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 coordinator to ensure that all TANF/JOBS program staff are informed of the changes in policies and procedures arising out of the voluntary compliance agreement.

Additional Information

Attorney Information
Docket Date
2004-08-06 00:00:00+00:00

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