1. (a) The purposes of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), as set forth in Title IV, Social Security Act, §401 (42 U.S.C.A. §601) are:

   1. (1) provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;
   2. (2) end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;
   3. (3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and
   4. (4) encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
2. (b) The goal of Choices services is to end the dependence of needy parents on public assistance by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. A Board may exercise flexibility in providing services to Choices eligibles to meet this Choices goal. A Board is also provided the flexibility and may engage in strategies that promote the prevention and reduction of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families if those strategies support the primary goal of Choices services, which is employment and job retention.
3. (c) The goal of the Commission is to ensure delivery of the employment and training activities as described in the TANF State Plan.
4. (d) Boards shall identify the workforce needs of local employers and design Choices services to ensure that local employer needs are met and that the services are consistent with the goals and purposes of Choices services as referenced in this section, and as authorized by PRWORA, the applicable federal regulations at 45 C.F.R. Part 260 - 265, the TANF State Plan, this chapter, and consistent with a Board's approved integrated workforce training and services plan as referenced in §801.17 of this title.

Source Note:The provisions of this §811.1 adopted to be effective November 18, 2003, 28 TexReg 10261; amended to be effective February 26, 2007, 32 TexReg 906.