Authority: Title 2.2, Chapter 54; Title 63.2, Code of Virginia; Title VI, Subtitle B, P.L. 97-35, as amended; P.L. 103-252, as amended; P.L. 104-193, as amended, Federal Code.
A.1. All increased state or federal funds distributed to Community Action Agencies shall be distributed as follows: The funds shall be distributed to all local Community Action Agencies according to the Department of Social Services funding formula (75 percent based on low-income population, 20 percent based on number of jurisdictions served, and five percent based on square mileage served), adjusted to ensure that no agency receives less than 1.5 percent of any increase.
2. Out of this appropriation, $185,725 the first year and $185,725 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with the Virginia Community Action Partnership to provide outreach, education and tax preparation services via the Virginia Earned Income Tax Coalition and other community non-profit organizations to citizens who may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The contract shall require the Virginia Community Action Partnership to report on its efforts to expand the number of Virginians who are able to claim the federal EITC, including the number of individuals identified who could benefit from the credit, the number of individuals counseled on the availability of federal EITC, and the number of individuals assisted with tax preparation to claim the federal EITC. The annual report from the Virginia Community Action Partnership shall also detail actual expenditures for the program including the sub-contractors that were utilized. This report shall be provided to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by December 1 each year.
3. Out of this appropriation, $7,750,000 the first year and $7,750,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with local Community Action Agencies to provide an array of services designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals and families, including the elderly and migrant workers. Services may include, but are not limited to, child care, community and economic development, education, employment, health and nutrition, housing, and transportation.
4. Out of this appropriation, $1,125,000 the first year and $1,125,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided for competitive grants to Community Action Agencies for a Two-Generation/Whole Family Pilot Project and for evaluation of the pilot project. Applicants selected for the pilot project shall provide a match of no less than 20 percent of the grant, including in-kind services. The Department of Social Services shall report to the General Assembly annually on the progress of the pilot project and shall complete a final report on the project no later than six years after the commencement of the project.
B. The department shall continue to fund from this Item all organizations recognized by the Commonwealth as community action agencies as defined in §2.2-5400 et seq.
C. Out of this appropriation, $8,617,679 the first year and $8,617,679 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with programs that follow the evidence-based Healthy Families America home visiting model that promotes positive parenting, improves child health and development, and reduces child abuse and neglect. The Department of Social Services shall use a portion of the funds from this item to contract with the statewide office of Prevent Child Abuse Virginia for providing the coordination, technical support, quality assurance, training and evaluation of the Virginia Healthy Families programs.
E. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year from nongeneral funds shall be provided for the Child Abuse Prevention Play (the play) administered by Virginia Repertory Theatre. The contract shall include production and live performances of the play that teach child safety awareness to prevent child abuse.
F. Out of this appropriation, $70,000 the first year and $70,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided to contract with the Virginia Alzheimer's Association Chapters to provide dementia-specific training to long-term care workers in licensed nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and adult day care centers who deal with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
G. Out of this appropriation, $1,000,000 $1,500,000 the first year and $1,000,000 $1,500,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) to provide supportive services that address the basic needs of families in crisis, including the provision of food, financial assistance to prevent homelessness, access to health services, and adult workforce development programs. The contract shall require NVFS to provide an intake process that identifies the needs and appropriate services for those in crisis. Outcomes will be measured utilizing surveys provided to those who receive services and NVFS will report quarterly on survey results.
H. Out of this appropriation, $405,500 the first year and $405,500 the second year from the general fund and $1,136,500 the first year and $1,136,500 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with child advocacy centers (CAC) to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, child-friendly setting. The contracts shall require CACs to provide forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy services, medical evaluations, and mental health services to victims of child abuse and neglect with the expected outcome of reducing child abuse and neglect. The department shall allocate four percent to Children's Advocacy Centers of Virginia (CACVA), the recognized chapter of the National Children's Alliance for Virginia's Child Advocacy Centers, for the purpose of assisting and supporting the development, continuation, and sustainability of community-coordinated, child-focused services delivered by children's advocacy centers (CACs). Of the remaining 96 percent, (i) 65 percent shall be distributed to a baseline allocation determined by the accreditation status of the CAC: (a) developing and associate centers 100 percent of base; (b) accredited centers 150 percent of base; and (c) accredited centers with satellite facilities 175 percent of base; and (ii) 35 percent shall be allocated according to established criteria to include: (a) 25 percent determined by the rate of child abuse per 1,000; (b) 25 percent determined by child population; and (c) 50 percent determined by the number of counties and independent cities serviced.
I.1. Out of this appropriation, $1,250,000 the first year and $1,250,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) to support the health and school readiness of Virginia's young children prior to school entry. These funds shall be matched with local public and private resources with a goal of leveraging a dollar for each state dollar provided.
2. Of the amounts in paragraph I.1. above, $1,250,000 the first year and $1,250,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be used to provide information and assistance to parents and families and to facilitate partnerships with both public and private providers of early childhood services. VECF will track and report statewide and local progress on a biennial basis. The Foundation shall account for the expenditure of these funds by providing the Governor, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees with a certified audit and full report on Foundation initiatives and results not later than October 1 of each year for the preceding fiscal year ending June 30.
3. On or before October 1 of each year, the foundation shall submit to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees a report on the actual amount, by fiscal year, of private and local government funds received by the foundation.
J. Out of this appropriation $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to the Virginia Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to expand community-based prevention and mentoring programs.
K.1. Out of this appropriation, $7,500,000 the first year and $7,500,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant the shall be provided for competitive grants for community employment and training programs designed to move low-income individuals out of poverty through programs designed to assist TANF recipients in obtaining and retaining competitive employment with the prospect of a career path and wage growth and other supportive services designed to break the cycle of poverty and permanently move individuals out of poverty. Of this amount, $2,000,000 shall be provided for competitive grants provided through Employment Services Organizations (ESOs).
2.a. Out of this appropriation, $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant the shall be provided for a second round of grants for community employment and training programs designed to move low-income individuals out of poverty by obtaining and retaining competitive employment with the prospect of a career path and wage growth. The local match requirement shall be reduced to 10 percent, including in-kind services, for grant recipients located in Virginia counties or cities with high fiscal stress as defined by the Commission on Local Government fiscal stress index.
b. Out of the amounts in 2.a., at least $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided through a contract with the City of Richmond, Office of Community Wealth for services provided through the Center for Workforce Innovation.
3. Out of this appropriation, $1,500,000 the first year and $1,500,000 the second year from the the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided for a third round of competitive grants for community employment and training programs. Out of this amount, $450,000 each year shall be provided for competitive grants through Employment Services Organizations. The department may encourage applicants to consider developing programs that align or coordinate with the Medicaid Referral program to be developed pursuant to language in Item 313 of this act.
4. The Department of Social Services shall award grants to qualifying programs through a memorandum of understanding which articulates performance measures and outcomes including the number of individuals participating in services, number of individuals hired into employment, the number of unique employers hiring individuals through organizational programs and activities, the average starting wage of individuals hired, reductions in the rate of poverty, as well as process measures such as how the program targets improvement in poverty over a three to five year period and fits in with long term community goals for reducing poverty. Grants shall require local matching funds of at least a 25 percent, including in-kind services.
5. Community employment and training programs and ESOs shall report on annual program performance and outcome measures contained in the memorandum of understanding with the Department of Social Services. The department shall report on the implementation of the programs and any performance and outcome data collected through the memorandum of understanding by June 1 of each year.
L. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided to contract with Youth for Tomorrow (YFT) to provide comprehensive residential, education and counseling services to at-risk youth of the Commonwealth of Virginia who have been sexually exploited, including victims of sex trafficking. The contract shall require YFT to provide individual assessments/individual service planning; individual and group counseling; room and board; coordination of medical and mental health services and referrals; independent living services for youth transitioning out of foster care; active supervision; education; and family reunification services. Youth for Tomorrow shall submit monthly progress reports on activities conducted and progress achieved on outputs, outcomes and other functions/activities during the reporting period. On October 1 of each year, YFT shall provide an annual report to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees that details program services, outputs and outcomes.
M. Out of this appropriation, $75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant shall be provided to contract with Visions of Truth Community Development Corporation in Portsmouth, Virginia. The funding will support the Students Taking Responsibility in Valuing Education (STRIVE) suspension/dropout prevention program.
N. Out of this appropriation, $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the second year from the the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant shall be provided to contract with Early Impact Virginia to continue its work in support of Virginia's voluntary home visiting programs. These funds may be used to hire three full-time staff, including a director and an evaluator, and to continue Early Impact Virginia's training partnerships. Early Impact Virginia shall have the authority and responsibility to determine, systematically track, and report annually on the key activities and outcomes of Virginia's home visiting programs; conduct systematic and statewide needs assessments for Virginia's home visiting programs at least once every three years; and to support continuous quality improvement, training, and coordination across Virginia's home visiting programs on an ongoing basis. Early Impact Virginia shall report on its findings to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by July 1, 2019 and annually thereafter.
O. Out of this appropriation, $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with the Laurel Center in Winchester to provide program services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Winchester, Frederick County, Clarke County, and Warren County at the Center's residential facility for survivors.
P. Out of this appropriation, $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided for the Department of Social Services to contract with Adoption Share, Inc. for the purpose of a pilot program to operate the Family-Match application, which is an online matching tool for state case workers to use in matching foster care children with the best families.
Q. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to FACETS to provide homeless assistance services in Northern Virginia.
R. Out of this appropriation, $3,000,000 the first year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant shall be provided for one-time funding to contract with the Virginia Federation of Food Banks to provide child nutrition programs.
S. Out of this appropriation, $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant shall be provided to the Virginia Transit Association to offer competitive grants for public transportation (as defined in Virginia Code §33.2-100) and public transportation demand management service fare passes. The Virginia Transit Association shall report on annual program performance and outcome measures contained in the memorandum of understanding with the Department of Social Services. The department shall report on any performance and outcome data collected through the memorandum of understanding by July 1 of each year. This report shall be provided to the Governor, Director of the Department of Planning and Budget, and the Chaimen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees.
T. Out of this appropriation, $700,000 the first year and $700,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant shall be provided to United Community to offer wrap-around services for low-income families. United Community shall report on annual program performance and outcome measures contained in the memorandum of understanding with the Department of Social Services. The department shall report on any performance and outcome data collected through the memorandum of understanding by July 1 of each year. This report shall be provided to the Governor, Director of the Department of Planning and Budget, and the Chaimen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees.
U. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to the Lighthouse Community Center, a nonprofit organization in Planning District 11, to provide housing assistance, or other eligible services, for individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system and domestic violence situations contingent on contracting for services eligible under the TANF block grant.
V. Out of this appropriation, $500,000 the first year from the general fund shall be provided to the Laurel Center for expansion of education, outreach, program services, and new career and education support.
W. Out of this appropriation, $650,000 the first year from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant shall be provided to food banks for the emergency food supply package program for fall 2020 and winter 2021. Funding authorized in this paragraph shall only be expended when no other federal funding source is available for this purpose.
X. Out of this appropriation, $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with Cornerstones to provide wrap-around services that solve urgent or on-going requirements for housing, childcare, food or financial assistance that address the needs of families. The contract shall require Cornerstones to report annually on outcomes.
Y. Out of this appropriation, $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless to provide wrap-around services for homeless individuals.
Z. Out of this appropriation, $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with Menchville House to provide supportive services for homeless individuals.
AA. Out of this appropriation, $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant shall be provided to contract with Family Restoration Services of Hampton to provide supportive services to families in need.