Iowa Code Title VI. Human Services [Chs. 216-255A] § 239B.4. Departmental role

1. The department is the state entity designated to administer federal funds received for purposes of the family investment program and the JOBS program under this chapter, including but not limited to the funding received under the federal temporary assistance for needy families block grant as authorized under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-193, as reauthorized under the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-171, and as codified in 42 U.S.C. § 601 et seq., and as such is the lead agency in preparing and filing state plans, state plan amendments, and other reports required by federal law.

2. The department is responsible for a management information system, eligibility determination, participant grant calculations and issuance of payments, contracting for services, provision of an appeal or resolution process to applicants and participants, determining the suitability of a family home maintained by a specified relative applicant or participant, and other activities as necessary to administer the family investment program and the JOBS program.

3. The department shall develop and use a screening tool for determining the likely presence of family and domestic violence affecting applicant and participant families. The department shall require the use of the screening tool by trained employees.

4. The department shall continue to work with the department of workforce development and local community collaborative efforts to provide support services for participants. The support services shall be directed to those participant families who would benefit from the support services and are likely to have success in achieving economic independence.

5. The department shall continue to work with religious organizations and other charitable institutions to increase the availability of host homes, referred to as second chance homes, or other living arrangements under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-193, § 103,  1 and any successor legislation. The purpose of the homes or arrangements is to provide a supportive and supervised living arrangement for minor parents receiving assistance who may receive assistance while living in an alternative setting other than with their parent or legal guardian.

6. The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A as necessary to administer this chapter.