MFIP:
Give clients the Family Violence Referral (DHS-3323) (PDF) and Domestic Violence Information (DHS-3477) (PDF). Provide this information at application, recertification and as part of the Employment Services (ES) overview. See 0005.12.12.01 (Forms/Handouts for Applicants).
For information on the Safe At Home Program see 0029.29 (Safe At Home Program).

When a client asks about the Family Violence Waiver or reveals that they or a household member has been or is a victim of family violence, explain the following to the client:

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The advantages of taking the Family Violence Waiver option, such as, being exempt from the 60-month time limit and their ability to address safety issues.

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The documentation required to substantiate a claim of family violence. See 0010.18.33 (Verifying Family Violence). Follow regular verification time lines when requesting documentation. See 0010.21 (Verification Due Dates). Do not delay processing an application while the client gets documentation of family violence or is developing an Employment Plan (EP). Do NOT impose an ES sanction/disqualification during the period of time that a participant is obtaining documentation. Also see 0010 (Verification).

The decision to request for the Family Violence Waiver is always the client’s choice. Do not question a client’s self-identified need for a Family Violence Waiver. Give the client the Domestic Violence Information (DHS-3477) (PDF) and provide them with information about community resources that provide services to victims of family violence. See 0011.30 (60-Month Lifetime Limit).

When a client requests a Family Violence Waiver, refer the client to a domestic violence advocate or someone trained in domestic violence if the client is not already working with someone. See PERSON TRAINED IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in 0002.49 (Glossary: Permanent...). Each county or Tribal Nation must identify locally-trained people in order to ensure access for all clients. Counties can contact the Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Services at 651-282-6252 or 1-888-622-8799 for information about agencies in their area. You can also refer the client to legal services at 1-888-354-5522.

The client, the person trained in domestic violence, and the job counselor will jointly develop the Employment Plan (EP). Once a participant has requested and been approved for a Family Violence Waiver they meet qualifications for Family Stabilization Services (FSS). See 0011.34 (Family Stabilization Services) and the MFIP/DWP Employment Services Manual 8.24 (Employment Plans and Family Violence Waiver).
County agencies, Tribal Nations, and ES providers are required to follow data privacy procedures. It is also important to ensure confidentiality to victims of family violence, especially when the victim lives with the abuser. Consult with your county attorney regarding the county’s data practices policy if you are uncertain about how to apply this policy.

Obtain a release of information from the client prior to talking to a domestic violence advocate about the client's issues related to family violence. Consult with the client to determine where mail should be sent or phone calls made, since the abuser is often still in the home or has access to the home.

A non-citizen who is determined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be a victim of battery and/or cruelty may also meet the family violence exemption provision. If you become aware of this, make the necessary referrals using the Family Violence Referral (DHS-3323) (PDF). See 0031.18 (Battered Spouses, Children, and Parents of Battered Children).

A victim of family violence may be eligible for an extension of MFIP benefits after the person has verified that they are a victim of family violence and has developed an Employment Plan (EP). See 0010.18.33 (Verifying Family Violence), 0028.15 (Employment Plan (EP)).

DWP:
Follow MFIP, EXCEPT the references to information required at recertification and exemption from the 60-month time limits do NOT apply.


SNAP, MSA, GA, GRH:
No provisions.