December 2000 Update 1. The downward trend in MFIP cases continues. During 1998 and the first part of 1999, Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, and contracted provider agencies were coping with the large number of referrals and new processes resulting from conversion to the MFIP program. Staff have now been fully trained, and the referral process has been improved. Beginning in January 2000, participants must enroll with ESPs as soon as MFIP is approved, rather than waiting for four months.
Typical plans can include a combination of employment, job search, training, and other pursuits.
At this hourly wage, a family of three would work their way off MFIP entirely if the caregiver worked 38.5 hours per week. If a non-exempt adult fails to comply with MFIP work requirements, a sanction in the form of a grant reduction may be imposed. A Hennepin County work group is focusing on how to help this population. If these families continue on MFIP, most of them will reach their 60-month eligibility limit on July 1, 2002. The Minnesota legislature has not yet determined how this extension policy will be applied.