D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-5820
The Director or his or her designee shall screen TANF applicants at the initial interview, and recipients at the point of recertification, for the presence, history, or future risk of domestic violence.
The Director or his or her designee shall provide a referral to counseling, legal and other supportive services for each applicant or recipient who has been identified as a victim of domestic violence at the initial interview or at the point of recertification.
The Director or his or her designee may use a screening instrument, that is filled out by each applicant and recipient to identify victims of domestic violence. The instrument shall provide examples of domestic violence. The instrument shall be designed to elicit basic information to assist in, or ultimately determine, whether the applicant or recipient is currently experiencing domestic violence, has a history of domestic violence, or is at risk of future domestic violence.
When the screening instrument indicates that the customer is currently experiencing domestic violence, has a history of domestic violence, or is at risk of future domestic violence, the Director shall provide a written referral for an assessment of the customer's situation and services (if indicated).
The Director or his or her designee shall provide the written referral for an assessment, referenced in subsection 5820.4, to a person trained in domestic violence.
The applicant or recipient who receives a written referral shall comply with the instructions contained therein.
The Director or his or her designee shall ensure that an assessment is performed to determine the accuracy of the original appraisal that the individual is currently experiencing domestic violence, has a history of domestic violence, or is at risk of future domestic violence. The assessment shall be performed by a person trained in domestic violence. The applicant or recipient shall not be required to participate in work programs pending completion of this assessment.
If the assessment confirms that the individual is currently experiencing domestic violence, has a history of domestic violence, or is at risk of future domestic violence, the Director or his or her designee shall ensure that a plan of services is developed for the individual by a person trained in domestic violence in conjunction with the applicant or recipient, when possible. The plan of services shall suggest whether a waiver of work requirements and/or child support cooperation is required, and, if so, the duration of the suggested waiver(s).
The plan of services shall be provided to the IMA for final action. Before the plan of services is provided to the IMA for final action, any portion of the plan of services regarding the identity, time, or location of domestic violence services that an applicant or recipient must follow shall be redacted.
The applicant or recipient who has received a plan of services shall comply with the instructions contained therein, as long as compliance is consistent with the safety of the applicant or recipient.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-5820