Cash assistance to a single minor parent

(1) The department may provide cash assistance to a single minor parent in accordance with this section. (2) A single minor parent who receives cash assistance under this part shall: (a) except as provided under Subsection (3), reside in a place of residence maintained by a parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative of the single minor parent; (b) participate in education for parenting and life skills; (c) participate in infant and child wellness programs approved by the department; and (d) for at least 20 hours per week: (i) if the single minor parent does not have a high school diploma, attend high school or an alternative to high school; (ii) participate in education or training; or (iii) participate in a combination of employment and education or training. (3) (a) If the department determines that the requirements of Subsection (2)(a) are not appropriate for a single minor parent, the department may assist the single minor parent to obtain suitable living arrangements, including an adult-supervised living arrangement. (b) The department may only provide cash assistance to a single minor parent who is exempt from the requirements of Subsection (2)(a) if the single minor parent resides in a living arrangement that is approved by the department. (c) The approval by the department of a living arrangement under Subsection (3)(b): (i) is a means of safeguarding the use of state and federal funds; and (ii) is not a certification or guarantee of the safety, quality, or condition of the living arrangements of the single minor parent. (4) (a) If a single minor parent resides with a parent, the department shall include the income of the parent of the single minor parent in determining the single minor parent's eligibility for services under this part. (b) If a single minor parent receives services under this chapter but does not reside with a parent, the department shall seek an order under Title 81, Chapter 6, Child Support, requiring the parent of the single minor parent to financially support the single minor parent. (5) The requirements of this section shall be included in a single minor parent's employment plan under Section 35A-3-304.