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Florida's
Welfare Program
The
goal of Florida's Welfare Transition Program is to emphasize
work, self-sufficiency, and personal responsibility
and to enable welfare recipients to move from welfare
to work. To accomplish this goal, the Florida
legislature, using federal and state funding and mandates,
has developed a strong support structure to deliver
needed services. This structure includes the following
programs and services: child care and transportation
assistance; substance and mental health treatment; child
support enforcement programs; diversion programs to
reduce domestic violence and child abuse; up-front diversion
services to prevent families from going on welfare with
one-time and emergency funding and services; relocation
assistance; severance payments; and job training and
employment assistance programs.
Time
Limited Cash Assistance
Individuals
may only receive cash assistance for 24 months in a
60-month period or 36 months in a 72-month period.
In Florida, there is a life time limit of four years.
Hardship exemptions may be granted for up to 12 months
and will be counted in the recipient's life time limit.
Work
First Philosophy
Participants
are expected to work while receiving cash assistance;
cash assistance is no longer an entitlement and there
are severe penalties on families if a participant does
not comply with this rule. Work First reflects
the philosophy that the best way to succeed in the labor
market is to join it and that the best way to develop
work skills is on the job. It seeks to move participants
into unsubsidized employment as quickly as possible.
However, there are also incentives for employers
who employ and train participants. (See Employer Section) Work First
Programs begin with job search and participants use
the labor market itself to see if they are ready
to take on a job. The focus is on short-term barriers;
a more in-depth assessment of participants may take
place later, if necessary.
One Stop Career
Centers Can Help Welfare Recipients
Welfare
is temporary, not an entitlement. Participants
are viewed not as numbers but as capable individuals
who can gain the work skills necessary to live an independent
life. The only dead-end job is welfare.
The program seeks to provide jobs, which result in a
better job, and, ultimately, a career. Training
- whether in the classroom or on the job - is
provided through a strong partnership between government
and the private sector. Welfare Transition participants
should avail themselves of the resources in the One
Stop Career Center and work with their career manager
as they work to achieve self-sufficiency.
Click
here to Contact Your Local One Stop Career Center
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