Temporary Assistance/Case Management Manual

0262.020.10.20 Victims of Domestic Violence

IM-37 June 17, 2011

At all times, and in all circumstances, every effort must be made to ensure the confidentiality of information for Temporary Assistance (TA) recipients who are victims of domestic violence.

Victims of domestic violence may be granted temporary waiver status if the recipient’s current situation prohibits successful engagement in work activities, or if participation would place the recipient or his/her family in unsafe or unstable situations.

If a recipient requests this temporary waiver, the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) case manager should immediately place the recipient in the waiver for domestic violence in the MWA System. The objective of this waiver is to allow appropriate time for the recipient to overcome the immediate crisis.

While the recipient is waived, the MWA case manager should explore available resources for victims of domestic violence with the recipient, and refer if appropriate. Although these recipients require intensive case management, in no instance should the MWA case manager attempt to counsel the recipient or influence the domestic situation in any way.

In many domestic violence situations, documentary evidence does not exist. Do not press the recipient for verification of the violence if none is forthcoming. Allow the recipient to provide a written statement to support the domestic violence claim, if appropriate.

End the temporary waiver in the MWA System once the recipient attains a more stable condition and can return to participation.