Work First 104D – FAMILY VIOLENCE OPTION

II. OVERVIEW

North Carolina adopted the Family Violence Option to assist those participants who are or have been victims of family violence by providing the necessary tools to address the issues related to the abuse. For some participants, the Option provides an opportunity for a waiver of one or more Work First requirements. For all participants, however, the Option seeks to heighten awareness of family violence and provides the means and impetus to develop appropriate methods for dealing with it. By being more knowledgeable of the issue of family violence, workers can make more informed referrals and offer services that will help individuals deal with the violence in their lives.

Adults seeking Work First assistance, including payees in child only cases and teen heads of household are given information about family violence and the services available to deal with the issue. Should the adult self-disclose or the worker find evidence of family violence, the worker discusses with the individual the services available to deal with the issue and makes any appropriate referrals.

All Work First participants are notified of the potential to request a waiver of some or all of the Work First requirements. If, at any time, a participant discloses being a victim of family violence, the participant is referred to an individual trained in family violence. This individual will conduct a screening and/or an assessment of the participant’s barriers to obtaining and/or keeping a job and meeting other Work First requirements.