March 9, 2005

Smith Inclusion Extends Treatment Services, Emphasizes Results

Washington, DC – Today, Senator Gordon Smith announced that his provision for extended rehabilitation services for welfare recipients coping with mental disability or chemical dependence has been included in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Act reauthorization as passed by the Senate Finance Committee.

“This is a pragmatic approach to helping people with disabilities and substance abuse problems receive the treatment and other rehabilitative services they need to succeed in the workplace.” said Smith. “Ultimately, placing participants in a positive work environment is the goal, but special cases exist, and this is a way for them to clear difficult hurdles on the way toward a new life.”

Under Smith’s proposal, if after six months, a state determines that a person with significant barriers has a continuing need for rehabilitative services, the state may create a package that combines work activity with services. Eligible individuals must be determined by the state, using a medically acceptable clinical or diagnostic technique, as having a disability that impedes the individual’s ability to function in a full-time work setting. Recipients must work for at least half of the extended amount of time they will receive services.

“This legislation gives states the tools they need to effectively engage individuals with disabilities,” Smith said. “Those struggling with addiction and mental disability shouldn’t fall through the cracks because the state’s program is bound to unreasonable federal expectations.”

TANF expired in September of 2002. During that year, the 107th Congress was unable to pass a bill to reauthorize TANF. The TANF program has been operating under a continuing resolution. Today’s passage in committee markup is an important step toward the reauthorization of the TANF bill.

###