CalWORKs Eligibility Handbook - Human Services Agency of San ...

50-31 DV Principles
CalWORKs Handbook
Both TANF and CalWORKs legislation provide considerations for victims of
domestic violence. The intent is to balance the special security and safety needs
of victims of domestic violence with the need to provide them the opportunity to
achieve independence and economic self-sufficiency through work. The stated
intents are as follows:
I. Principles
Ensure that CalWORKs participants who are past or present victims of
abuse are not placed at further risk or unfairly penalized by CalWORKs
requirements and procedures;
Ensure that program requirements not be created or applied in such a way
to encourage a victim to remain with the abuser;
Ensure that CalWORKs recipients participate in welfare-to-work activities to
the full extent of their abilities, including support services such as
counseling and treatment programs, to enable the recipient to obtain
unsubsidized employment and move towards self-sufficiency.
A. Identifying clients who have been or are victims of abuse, while
protecting confidentiality
All applicants and recipients are given many opportunities to selfidentify.
Provide safe space to disclose abuse.
Inform client about the limits of confidentiality (e.g. mandated
reporting), otherwise assure confidentiality.
No negative consequences for client coming forward and reporting or
doing so later.
No contacting the batterer to verify information.
B. Notice
Notice clients in writing and orally regarding available domestic
violence considerations.
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