(1) The diversion program to strengthen families in this state is intended to provide services that assist families in avoiding welfare dependency by gaining and retaining employment.
(2) Before finding a family eligible for the diversion program created under this section, a determination must be made that:
(a) The family includes a pregnant woman or a parent with one or more minor children or a caretaker relative with one or more minor children.
(b) The family is at risk of welfare dependency because the family’s income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
(c) The provision of services related to employment, including assessment, service planning and coordination, job placement, employment-related education or training, child care services, transportation services, relocation services, workplace employment support services, individual or family counseling, or a Retention Incentive Training Account (RITA), are likely to prevent the family from becoming dependent on welfare by enabling employable adults in the family to become employed, remain employed, or pursue career advancement.
(3) The services provided under this section are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.
(4) Each family that receives services under this section must sign an agreement not to apply for temporary cash assistance for 6 months following the receipt of services, unless an unanticipated emergency situation arises. If a family applies for temporary cash assistance without a documented emergency, the family must repay the value of the diversion services provided. Repayment may be prorated over 8 months and shall be paid through a reduction in the amount of any monthly temporary cash assistance payment received by the family.
(5) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a family that meets the requirements of subsection (2) is considered a needy family and is eligible for services under this section.
History.—s. 18, ch. 2000-165.
Structure Florida Statutes
Chapter 445 - Workforce Services
445.003 - Implementation of the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
445.006 - State Plan for Workforce Development.
445.007 - Local Workforce Development Boards.
445.0071 - Florida Youth Summer Jobs Pilot Program.
445.008 - Workforce Training Institute.
445.009 - One-Stop Delivery System.
445.010 - Consumer-First Workforce System Technology; Principles and Information Sharing.
445.011 - Consumer-First Workforce System.
445.014 - Small Business Workforce Service Initiative.
445.016 - Untried Worker Placement and Employment Incentive Act.
445.018 - Diversion Program to Strengthen Florida’s Families.
445.019 - Teen Parent and Pregnancy Prevention Diversion Program; Eligibility for Services.
445.020 - Diversion Programs; Determination of Need.
445.021 - Relocation Assistance Program.
445.022 - Retention Incentive Training Accounts.
445.023 - Program for Dependent Care for Families With Children With Special Needs.
445.025 - Other Support Services.
445.026 - Cash Assistance Severance Benefit.
445.028 - Transitional Benefits and Services.
445.029 - Transitional Medical Benefits.
445.030 - Transitional Education and Training.
445.031 - Transitional Transportation.
445.032 - Transitional Child Care.
445.0325 - Welfare Transition Trust Fund.
445.034 - Authorized Expenditures.
445.035 - Data Collection and Reporting.
445.038 - Digital Media; Job Training.
445.046 - Establishment of a Network Access Point.
445.047 - Passport to Economic Progress Act; Legislative Intent.
445.048 - Passport to Economic Progress Program.
445.051 - Individual Development Accounts.
445.055 - Employment Advocacy and Assistance Program Targeting Military Spouses and Dependents.
445.056 - Citizen Soldier Matching Grant Program.
445.06 - Florida Ready to Work Credential Program.
445.07 - Economic Security Report of Employment and Earning Outcomes.
445.08 - Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.