3. After appropriate training, “Partner agencies” of the DCF ACCESS program should be allowed to conduct intake interviews (performed after an application has been received by DCF but prior to full determination by DCF regarding eligibility. Currently only DCF employees conduct intake interviews.
Food & Nutrition assistance “Partner” agencies, DCF, State of Florida
Likely Cost savings
ASAP
Staff at local agencies already partnering with DCF through the ACCESS program would be able to perform work to assist the initiation of new cases. This would allow DCF to redirect the efforts of state employees to accomplish functions which only state employees can perform in conformance with federal regulations.
4. Physically consolidate the 2 separate locations even „online „applicants must visit. (One Stop Career Center – for nonparenting able bodied adults; and Child Support Enforcement offices – for parenting adults) Many must visit both.
DCF, Dept. of Revenue, FloridaWorks, State of Florida
TBD
July 1, 2010
The barrier created by the mandated face to face interviews at separate locations about 12 miles apart will be removed. The transportation barrier will be mitigated.
5. Allow DCF local offices and District Administrations to engage in marketing the Food Stamp program using advertisements, special events, billboards, etc.
DCF
TBD, but USDA would share 50% of costs
July 1, 2009
Lifting the current DCF (Tallahassee) administrative policy prohibiting marketing the Food Stamp program to eligible residents would increase the percentage of eligible residents who apply for and receive Food Stamp benefits. Numerous „best practices‟ examples in other states demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy in overcoming stigma, misinformation, and other barriers to receiving Food Stamp benefits.
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