Program by faith-based organizations?
Service Providers are reimbursed using federal money made available to Texas pursuant to a funding stream known as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Under the federal Charitable Choice Act, if an organization conducts religious or spiritual activities, it must do so separately, in time or location, from TANF-funded activities. TPCN’s Service Providers must agree to comply not only with the Charitable Choice Act, but also must agree to deliver Program services using a different person than any person that delivers spiritual or religious services to a client. This “separate counselor” requirement is unique to the Program, and is based on TPCN’s client-centered policy that clients receiving Program services never feel pressured by the person delivering those services to participate in religious or spiritual activities. If a client does want to participate in religious or spiritual activities, the Service Provider must first obtain her written consent.
