A minor parent receiving TEA benefits is required to participate unless he or she is unable to because one of the following temporary deferrals exists:

1. The minor parent’s child is under three (3) months of age
2. The minor parent is in the third trimester of pregnancy.
3. The minor parent is ill or incapacitated which is verified by a physician.
4. Child care or other necessary support service arrangements cannot be made.

The assessment process is the same for minor parents as for adults.

The objective of the assessment is to identify any life conditions which prevent the minor parent from completing basic education (high school level) or achieving the goal of self-sufficiency through employment.

The parent, or other adult with whom the minor parent is living, is required to accompany the minor parent to the orientation/assessment session. This is to ensure that the adult relative has a clear understanding of what is expected of the minor parent and the importance of cooperation. Note: If the minor parent is not required to live with a parent or other adult, then this requirement will not apply.

The worker should maintain close contact with the minor parent and assist with supportive services and any other needs that will direct him or her toward self-sufficiency. The worker should also provide in-depth counseling and guidance to minor parents as needed.

In cases of abuse/neglect, or homelessness of teen parents, a referral to the Division of Children and Family Services should be made. If the minor parent is under 16 years of age, a referral should be made if sexual abuse is suspected.

If it is determined during assessment that a minor parent is already in school, the process will still be completed. The worker will discuss the existing child care arrangements and any areas of concern. The level of education, school attended, method of transportation (and cost if any), and cost of child care will be obtained from the customer for documentation purposes. Information regarding services being received from other agencies will also be obtained and documented. An explanation of other services available will also be given and referral(s) made, if necessary.

If it is determined during assessment that a minor parent is not in school, the worker will discuss with the minor parent and adult relative the importance of enrolling in school, the time frame for which the minor must be enrolled and the date verification of enrollment is due in the county office.

Minor parents engaged in the education activity must maintain satisfactory attendance as determined by the school and comply with all activities required by the institution.

A schedule of follow-up contacts will be developed with dates of contact identified, reasons for contact, and method and place of contact mutually understood between the worker and the minor parent. Each contact will be documented. The minor parent will be responsible for obtaining written progress reports from their institution of learning and provide to the county office at agreed upon intervals.

The Employment/Education Plan is developed jointly by the minor parent and the worker from information obtained during the assessment.

The Employment/Education Plan outlines a series of activities and services necessary for a minor parent to complete basic education and/or obtain full-time employment.

The plan identifies:

It will be explained to the minor parent and adult relative that Family Planning Services is a vital part of minor parent participation and why the referral should be made (to prevent subsequent pregnancies). If the referral is accepted, the worker will call a local Family Planning provider, identify him or herself, and state the need to refer a minor parent for family planning services. If needed, the worker may arrange transportation.

The dates, time, and address of the clinics will be given to the customer in writing. When more than one day and time of clinic services is available, the minor parent will be urged to select a day and time most convenient to their participation. The referral information, (date and time customer is scheduled to attend) will be shown in the narrative.

A DHS-3350 will be completed for all referrals for family planning services. Other relevant information will be documented in the case narrative.

In the event a member of a minor parent's household is in need of a particular service, the worker may give information about the availability of the service, identifying the agency and location. If the family member's need for the service creates a problem to the customer's education goal, a formal referral (DHS-3350) for services will be made.

For minor parent caseheads in need of housing assistance, the worker will contact the local Housing Authority on behalf of the customer stating the problem(s) and needs of the family. The information obtained will be explained to the customer and the importance of cooperating with the Housing Agency will be emphasized. Housing needs will be addressed only through referral services.

Minor recipients, under age 16, who become parents should be referred to the Division of Children and Family Services if sexual abuse is suspected and for direct services (i.e. day care, family planning, protective services and services to unmarried parents). Follow-up will be made periodically with DCFS (on behalf of the customer) to monitor progress and continuity.

If the customer is in need of mental health services, the worker will contact the appropriate agency for dates, times, and address of the agency. This information will be given to the customer and documented in the case record.

Teen parents 16 through 17 years of age, can be engaged in education, vocational education training and employed activities. Teen parents employed through a program at school will be assigned to the education activity.

Teen parents who find employment on their own will be assigned to dual activities (education/employed).

Minor parents will be provided with information about child care and, if appropriate, referrals to suitable facilities will be made. The worker should assist the minor parent, when needed, to ensure that child care is suitable.

The following factors should be considered when selecting a child care provider:

A contingency plan for child care will be developed in case the primary services breakdown.

TEA MANUAL

09/28/07

TEA Manual

09/28/07

3351  Minor Parent Non-Compliance Sanction

The worker will maintain contact with the minor parent during the months that he or she is under a work requirement non-compliance sanction.  The purpose of the contacts will be to counsel and encourage the minor parent to come into compliance.  The worker will discuss any problems or issues that may be preventing participation in education or vocational education training activities and attempt to find solutions.

The case record will be clearly documented to reflect the contacts that are made or attempted. 

The sanction will be lifted and the TEA payment increased to the amount for which the family is eligible at any time following two weeks of full compliance.