Mission Statement
The Pechanga Tribal TANF Program is committed to providing comprehensive services that strengthen and support American Indian families with children.
Our Vision
Pechanga Tribal TANF’s vision is to empower, educate, and promote cultural values that preserve the traditional American Indian family unit by providing families the opportunity for improvement in the quality of life that leads to sustainable self-sufficiency.
History
In 1996 Congress amended the Social Security Act, by replacing AFDC, JOBS, and EA with block grants to States and Tribes for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
CONTACT US:
If you would like more information about the Program or have questions please contact us at:
Pechanga Tribal TANF Program
48460 Pechanga road
Temecula CA 92592
Phone: 951-770-6159
ELIGIBILITY
Who is Eligible for Pechanga Tribal TANF?
In order to be eligible for the Pechanga Tribal TANF program, you must meet the following criteria;
- • Enrolled Pechanga Tribal Members, members of federally recognized tribes, AI/AN members of the California Judgment Roll, their families and descendants who reside on the Pechanga Indian Reservation.
- • All enrolled Pechanga Tribal Members and their families who reside in the off reservation areas of Orange County and Riverside County
- • One member of the household must be able to provide proof of membership with a federally recognized tribe through enrollment or lineal descendant from the California Judgement rolls.
- • You must have a minor dependent child in the home.
- • Be the guardian/relative caretaker of a minor child (ren) under 18 years of age.
- • Individuals expecting a child, are eligible in their third trimester of pregnancy.
- • Must meet financial eligibility guidelines.
- • Must meet all other Pechanga Tribal TANF eligibility requirements.
Specific services and referrals provided will be determined on an individual case basis based upon the specific and unique needs of each family. They may include; participation in work activities, education or training, job search assistance, child care, transportation, parenting skills classes and activities, Youth prevention services and education activities, and domestic violence services.
Instructions for completing the application are provided. It is important to answer every question. If you need help filling out the application, contact the Pechanga Tribal TANF office.
Applying for Pechanga Tribal TANF requires a visit to the Pechanga Tribal TANF office. Applicants are required to participate in a face-to-face interview with an eligibility technician (ET) who will review completed documents and explain program requirements.
The application process can be lengthy, requiring several hours over several days. However, if there is an urgent situation, such as an eviction, utility shut-off, medical emergency or lack of food, the process may be faster. Be sure to tell the ET if any of these emergencies are affecting the family. Proof of these situations may be required, so be sure and bring any documents that show an emergency (such as an eviction notice) to the first visit to prevent delays.
Please include the following documents with your application, this will speed the application process:
- • Valid California Identification
- • Birth Certificates
- • Social Security Cards
- • Proof of Tribal Enrollment or Lineal Descendancy
- • Proof of Income
- • Social Security Income Statements
- • Veterans Benefit Income Statements
- • Veterans Benefit Income Statements
- • School attendance status (including all school age children)
- • Current Bank Statements
- • Medi-Cal/Food Stamp Verification
- • Residency Verification
This information may be requested for all people in the home.
When eligibility to Tribal TANF is determined, a letter, called a Notice of Action, is sent to advise the applicant of the approval for or denial of benefits. If an applicant disagrees with any action taken by Pechanga TANF, there is an appeals process. Instructions for requesting an appeal is on the back of any Notice of Action sent by the tribe.
- PTTP TANF Application: (PDF)
- PTTP Verification list of acceptable documents: (PDF)
- PTTP Monthly Eligibility Report: (PDF)
- PTTP Work Participation Report: (PDF)
- PTTP Release Information Form (PDF)
- PTTP (MER) Form - Relative Caregiver/Child Only (PDF)
- PTTP Support and Emergency Services Request Form (PDF)
- PTTP Pandemic Emergency Assistance Application (PDF)
FAMILY SERVICES
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, Tribal TANF Department is responsible for administering the tribes TANF program and providing services that can assist Pechanga Indian reservation residents and all enrolled Pechanga members with basic needs and other services. We strive to provide services by qualified, trained staff that is respectful and knowledgeable of American Indian family’s culture and values that are accessible, customer-focused and delivered in a timely and accurate manner.
1. Monthly cash assistance to income eligible American Indian families with a child or expecting a child.
2. Monthly cash assistance to eligible relative caregivers, of a child or children.
3. Services, to assistance eligible and other eligible American Indian families with children, meant to reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies and promote the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
Support Services
- Child care assistance
- Transportation and/or mileage reimbursements
- Referrals to other agencies and organizations
- Counseling Services for children, teens, couples & families
Employment and Educational Related Expenses
- Educational fees, books and supplies
- Uniforms and employment supplies
- Clothing allowance for K-12 students
Employment and Career Development
- Career assessments
- On the job training
- Job search assistance
Emergency Assistance
- Vehicle repairs
- Utility payments
- Homelessness, eviction notices and housing cost
Incentives
- GED/Diploma and degree completion incentives
- Pre-marital counseling and marriage incentive
- Academic incentives for K-12 students
When Relatives Care for Children
Sometimes children are placed in the care of relatives because they cannot stay at home with their parents for whatever reasons. If you are a non-needy relative caregivers who has taken in a child informally and has been designated as having temporary guardianship/custody of the child (by agreement with the parent, Pechanga Children & Family Services or Tribal court) until the biological or custodial parent is able to care for the child: the child is eligible to receive TANF funded assistance and/or services as a “child only” case as long as they are residing with the designated custodial relative caretaker on a temporary basis.
The Pechanga Tribal TANF program offers relative caregivers of dependent children a new option for providing a home to these children. It is our intent that this program be utilized to enhance family preservation and stability in safe and stable placement with relatives.
A relative caregiver is a relative who exercises responsibility for the day to day care and control of a related child with the duty of providing care and management of the minor child (child under age 18);. This includes Siblings, Aunts, Uncles Grandparents, Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews.
ELIGIBILITY FOR RELATIVE CAREGIVERS
Pechanga Tribal TANF will determine if you are eligible for a child only case. The following are the minimum requirements for eligibility*:
- Head of Household must reside on the Pechanga Indian Reservation or reside in the off reservation areas of Orange County and Riverside County.
- The child is under 18 years old and is not in foster care.
- You are related to the child by blood or marriage.
- The child’s biological parent is not residing in the home.
- The adult has a temporary custodial relationship with the child.
YOUTH SERIVCE
Pechanga Tribal TANF is a service provider and advocate for American Indian youth, parents, and families. Our purpose is to empower and support the physical, behavioral and spiritual well-being of Pechanga tribal children and all American Indian youth who live on the Pechanga Indian Reservation, and within the off reservation areas of Orange County and Riverside County by providing holistic integrated services that focus on all age groups and incorporate Pechanga Luiseño culture and traditions.
WHAT WE DO
The PTTP Youth and Teen Activities are comprised of after-school and weekend activities and events, in collaboration with the Pechanga Youth Department, Recreation Center and the Scholarship Department.
Our program goals are to help young People:
- Increase their educational and academic development opportunities.
- Preserve their culture and traditions through activities, field trips, and art.
- Develop positive self-esteem, confidence, job skills, and leadership skills.
- Build bridges to career opportunities and skills through job placement.
- Promote healthy lifestyle habits through sports and outdoor activities.
- Increase awareness and prevention of teen pregnancy, STDs, and Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
ABOUT OUR SERVICES
All activities are open to all eligible American Indian students between 6 to 19 years of age. Activities are provided in an environment in which youth can engage in activities with their peers and obtain support, information and resources.
Homework Club and Tutorial Services
- Group Tutoring & Individual Homework Assistance
- August through June / Monday-Thursday 2:30pm to 6:00pm
Bridges 2 Success & Higher Education
- College tours, Spring Break and Winter Breaks
- SAT test prep, personal statement, and financial awareness workshops
- Assistance with the college application process, FAFSA and financial aid
Youth Leadership & Wellness
- Educational & Cultural Field Trips (D.T.I., U.N.I.T.Y. and N.C.A.I.)
- Journey 2 Wellness Clinics, focusing on Wellness, Culture & Education
- Summer activities focused on culture, leadership, tribal government, and community service
Family & Student Advocacy
- Attend IEP and other school meetings
- Communicate with school and district personnel
- Serve as mentors and role models to students
- Develop individualized education plan to increase student success
All American Indian students and families who meet Pechanga TANF eligibility guidelines for either being an at-risk household, relative caregiver, or assistance eligible family. Participants must reside on the Pechanga Indian Reservation, and within the off reservation areas of Orange County and Riverside County.
- PTTP Program Intake & Enrollment forms completed in office only.
- PTTP Prevention Application completion required.
REGISTRATION:
All students participating in our program must register annually with the Pechanga Tribal TANF department. There is a registration packet that must be completed by the student’s parent or legal guardian before they can parctipate in our activities and events.
FIELDTRIPS AND OFF SITE ACTIVITIES:
In addition to hosting our own activities and events, the Pechanga Tribal TANF department, collaborates with a variety of Pechanga governmental departments and outside Native Nations and agencies to implement events and activities aimed at servicing American Indian youth.
For department fieldtrips and activities hosted with other agencies, additional registration forms and fieldtrip permission slips maybe required. For all off site fieldtrips and activities, Pechanga TANF regularly provides transportation and chaperones students during these activities. All participants are required to follow the student code of conduct at all time.
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER AND FIELD TRIP RULES
Students participating in activities provided by the Pechanga Tribal TANF department, regardless of the location of the activity, are required to adhere to the following rules,
- Conduct oneself in a courteous and respectful manner at all times, bad attitudes and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
- Do not use any profanity or name-calling.
- Remain in the presence of adult supervision at all times.
- All students are expected to dress appropriately.
- Follow the directions and instructions of staff and chaperones without fail.
THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES WILL BE REGARDED WITH ZERO TOLERANCE:
- Bullying will not be tolerated.
- Violence and/or possession of weapons are prohibited.
- Possessing or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during activities will be cause for suspension and dismissal from activities.
- Smoking or using other tobacco products is prohibited, regardless of age.
- PTTP is a drug and alcohol free program and employs a Zero Tolerance Policy at all times.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILIES
Q: What if I’m Native American but I’m not enrolled?
A: You must be able to obtain verification from your tribe or the local BIA office that proves your Native American lineage.
Q: How do I apply for Tribal TANF?
Q: Do I have to live on the reservation?
Q: Can I be on Tribal TANF if I’m working?
Q: Can I be on Tribal TANF and go to school?
Q: Is Tribal TANF the same as CalWORKS?
RELATIVE CAREGIVERS:
Q: Can I be on Tribal TANF if my grandchildren are living with me but I don’t have legal custody?
A: Yes. We will have you submit a notarized form from the parents that lists you as temporary guardian.
Q: Can I participate in Tribal TANF even though I’m receiving foster care money from the county?
Q: Do I have to complete work or education hours?
RESOURCES
TANF Department
TANF Director:
Shonta Chaloux: (951) 770-6164
TANF Family Advocate
Kassandra Urabe: (951) 770-6233
TTANF Activities Coordinator
Mikela Underwood: (951) 770-6236