•Work First Employment
o  Work First is North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for the Needy Families (TANF) program. This program assists families that are in a temporary financial crisis.  The Work First program provides supportive services including job placement assistance, child care, and transportation assistance to aid families in achieving self-sufficiency.  Work First provides financial assistance and medical assistance to needy families that meet state and federal requirements.

o  Work First requires caretakers to be responsible for themselves and the well-being of their children. Every Work First family must develop a Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA) which describes the caretaker’s and the agency’s responsibilities in helping the family achieve self- sufficiency.  

o  Mutual Responsibility Agreement’s include work requirements for work eligible individuals.  These are mandatory in order to receive Work First Employment Services.  Work eligible individuals must participate in work activities.

o  Failure to comply with the MRA could result in penalties and/or termination from the program.

 
•Child Only Work First Services
o  In this program other relatives and individuals, regardless of who have legal custody or guardianship of children may apply for assistance on their behalf.