§ 1001. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) [Repealed.]

(2) [Repealed.]

(3) “Adult” means an individual who:

(A) is 18 years of age or older and not a dependent child; or

(B) is under 18 years of age and:

(i) is pregnant; or

(ii) is a parent who is the caretaker for a dependent child.

(4) “Assessment” means the information-gathering process, carried out by the Department‘s established protocol, that identifies an individual’s skills, aptitudes, interests, life and work experience, and barriers, and the determination of how these factors relate to the individual’s current or potential participation in the labor force and his or her family responsibilities. Where appropriate, this process includes the use of tests, other standardized measurement tools, and referrals to relevant professionals for evaluation or diagnosis. The Department shall use the information gathered as part of this process in developing the individual’s family development plan, as well as, where applicable, assessing the appropriateness and feasibility of the individual’s education, training, and employment goals and determining the individual’s ability to work. The Department shall include a process to determine the development and well-being of the children in the family.

(5) “Barrier” means any physical, emotional, or mental condition; any lack of an educational, vocational, or other skill or ability; and any lack of transportation, child care, housing, medical assistance, or other services or resources, domestic violence circumstances, caretaker responsibilities, or other conditions or circumstances that prevent an individual from engaging in employment or other work activity.

(6) “Caretaker” means an individual 18 years of age or older who is fulfilling a parental role in caring for a dependent child by providing physical care, guidance, and decision making related to the child’s health, school, medical care, and discipline.

(7) “Case management” means the services provided by or through the Department to participating families, including assessment, information, referrals, and assistance in the preparation and implementation of a family development plan under section 1007 of this title.

(8) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner for Children and Families or his or her designee.

(9) “Department” means the Department for Children and Families.

(10) “Dependent child” means a child who is a resident of this State and:

(A) is under 18 years of age; or

(B) is 18 years of age or older who is a full-time student in a secondary school, or attending an equivalent level of vocational or technical training, and is reasonably expected to complete the educational program before reaching 19 years of age or is not expected to complete the educational program before reaching 19 years of age solely due to a documented disability.

(11) “Eligible family” means a family that is determined to be financially eligible for the programs authorized by this chapter, in accordance with rules adopted by the Commissioner.

(12) “Family” means:

(A) one or more dependent children living with one or both parents or a relative or caretaker of such children; or

(B) a pregnant individual.

(13) “Living with a relative or caretaker” means living with a caretaker or relative in a residence maintained by the caretaker or one or more relatives at his or her or their home.

(14) “Parent” means a biological parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, or pregnant individual.

(15) “Participant” or “participating adult” means an adult member of a participating family.

(16) “Participating family” means an eligible family that participates in the Reach First program.

(17) “Reach Ahead” means the program established under chapter 12 of this title.

(18) “Reach First payment” means a one-time payment of cash as determined in section 1004 of this title.

(19) “Reach First services” means the service component of the Reach First program consisting of case management services, support services, and referrals provided to eligible families to assist them in becoming self-sufficient.

(20) “Reach Up” means the program established under chapter 11 of this title.

(21) “Relative” means a person related to a dependent child, as defined by the Department by rule.

(22) “Resources” means any income and property available from whatever source.

(23) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services or his or her designee.

(24) “Temporary Assistance to Needy Families” or “TANF” means the block grant provided to this State and established in accordance with Part A of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act, as amended, and the regulations promulgated under the Act by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(25) [Repealed.]

(26) [Repealed.]

(27) [Repealed.] (Added 2007, No. 30, § 1, eff. May 17, 2007; amended 2021, No. 20, § 284; 2023, No. 78, § E.323, eff. July 1, 2023.)