(a) The Department shall hire an outside consultant to conduct a review of FIP to assess the extent to which FIP is: (1) implementing policies equitably; and (2) employing best practices to achieve the best outcomes possible for children and their parents, including by considering that many FIP recipients are experiencing or have experienced significant trauma. (b) The consultant hired under this section shall demonstrate knowledge of the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families programs. (c) At a minimum, the review conducted under this section should include an assessment of the following: (1) program design, including core beliefs, goals, objectives, service delivery model, regulations, program rules, and performance measures; (2) contract design and execution, including: (i) payment structure; (ii) incentives; and (iii) service delivery approach and performance with a focus on placement in high-quality jobs with wages that meet or exceed 150% of the State minimum wage; (3) program outcomes that, to the extent practicable, are disaggregated by race and ethnicity; (4) an examination of how the State's use of unpaid work experience compares to other states and alternative program options; (5) documentation of innovative and evidence-based practices being implemented in other states; and (6) all assessment tools used by the Department under § 5-309(a)(1) of this subtitle with a focus on recommending changes needed for the assessment to be conducted in a manner that is: (i) trauma-informed; (ii) antiracist; and (iii) individualized, empowering, and client-centered. (d) To receive meaningful input on FIP in accordance with the review conducted under this section, including recommendations on methods to strengthen FIP, the Department shall consult: (1) stakeholders, including current and former recipients; (2) community-based organizations; and (3) other interested parties. (e) The review conducted under this section shall: (1) include a summary of: (i) the strengths and weaknesses of FIP; (ii) recommendations for improving FIP; and (iii) any necessary legislative or administrative changes to make the improvements; and (2) (i) on or before October 1, 2024, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, be submitted to the General Assembly; and (ii) be published on the Department's website. (f) Until the Department has fully implemented, to the extent practicable, the recommendations of the final review submitted under subsection (e) of this section, beginning in calendar year 2024 and each year thereafter, the Department shall report, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee on the plans and progress for implementing the recommendations made in the review.
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