This procedure letter serves as notification regarding changes in services to minor parents due to the passage of Public Law (P.L.) 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Effective October 1, 1996, in order to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), an unmarried minor parent and the dependent child(ren) in his or her care must live at home or in an adult-supervised living arrangement. There are exceptions to this requirement [Refer to Attachment A: Public Assistance Manual (PAM) Section 3123. (3)(a) to (c)]. In summary, if minor parents inform the county department of human services (CDHS) that they and/or their dependent child(ren) are at risk of abuse or neglect in the residence of the minor parent's parent, guardian or other adult specified relative, the CDHS is required to determine if the minor parent's allegations are credible. The CDHS may contact the public children services agency (PCSA) for consultation and/or assistance in making this determination.

The Ohio Department of Human Services, Office of Child Care and Family Services has developed a new rule governing joint planning and sharing of information which supports coordination among PCSAs, CDHSs and child support enforcement agencies (CSEAs). This rule is being proposed for emergency filing and will be issued shortly. Please work with these agencies to ensure that Ohio is in compliance with P.L. 104-193.