732-4  Resources and Supports For Families First

In general, Temporary Assistance program policy stipulates that supportive services funds may only be used to support engagement in approved work activities described in section 730-1  that are assigned and documented on an individual’s Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP).

However, in the case of families participating in Families First, supportive services described in chapter 739  may be provided to support any activities that appear on an FSSP Family Self-Sufficiency Plan  developed with the client and the Families First Service Team.

This includes authorization of supportive services for activities that would not usually appear on an FSSP Family Self-Sufficiency Plan  as a work activity. Examples include participation in Service Team meetings, involvement in the Discovery process, wellness activities such as doctor’s appointments for the client or family member, family counseling, meetings with DHSS Department of Health and Social Services (State)  caseworkers or court appointments, activities identified on partner division or agency plans, and other activities that are identified through Service Team meetings.  If the Family Support Team has identified an activity for the FSSP Family Self-Sufficiency Plan , supportive services can be used to support it if the need is specific, and the only way to meet the need, supportive services may be provided.

If the Families First Support Team identifies a supportive services need that is not described in chapter 739 , they will email a request for approval for the supportive services expenditure to the Field Services Work Services Team at WSTA@alaska.gov.