WAG 02-03-00
DHS administers benefits and connects clients with a variety of services. These include:
- cash assistance,
- SNAP benefits,
- medical assistance,
- home services,
- vocational rehabilitation,
- blind services,
- treatment (e.g., substance abuse, mental health),
- child care, and
- child support.
Completion of a Family Assessment helps to ensure that we provide all the benefits and services that a client and their family need.
A Family Assessment is required for:
- all applicants for TANF, except for RPYs on child-only cases, and
- a medical case which requests a SWAP to TANF.
A Family Assessment must be offered, but is not required, for the following cases:
- RPYs on TANF Child-Only,
- AABD,
- medical only, and
- SNAP benefits only.
Before completing the Family Assessment, explain to the client their right to apply for any type of assistance other than TANF, without completing an assessment.
In completing a Family Assessment, the following areas must be covered:
- Background;
- Employment;
- Individual and Family Health;
- Infant, Child, and Teen Health;
- Education and Training; and
- Treatment.
The Family Assessment must include the offer of a reading level test and English proficiency. Refer for literacy testing when:
- the client requests it,
- the Family Community Resource Center determines one is warranted to determine what goals or activities would be best suited for them, or
- the client must meet a certain literacy level to reach their employment goal.
Refer those to be tested to your local community college or education provider.
With few exceptions, persons testing below a 9.0 grade reading level as part of the Family Assessment may be approved for Education Related to Employment as part of their Responsibility and Services Plan.
Information is gathered concerning:
- job history,
- job preference,
- proficiencies and skill deficiencies,
- child immunization,
- school attendance,
- family well-being which includes:
- domestic or sexual violence
- substance abuse
- homelessness
- mental and physical health issues,
- education level and/or training,
- child care,
- transportation,
- family circumstances and problems, and
- social service needs.
Discussing this information with the client allows DHS staff to:
- learn about the family's strengths and needs,
- assess potential risks and barriers, and
- identify necessary referrals (e.g., vocational rehabilitation, mental health, etc.).
Complete the Family Assessment before the eligibility interview and before completion of the RSP.
Gather information only on those persons for whom assistance is being requested. Do not gather information on someone who is only applying for or representing another person(s).
