808.09 Referral to NHEP Teams (FAM)

____________________________________________________________

Individuals are referred to the New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP) team as a condition of eligibility for FANF financial assistance if participation status in the NHEP is determined to be voluntary or mandatory and when NHEP participation status has changed from exempt to mandatory or from exempt to voluntary.

Family Violence Option (FVO) Standardized Procedures and Documentation

The individual requesting an accommodation in NHEP participation under the FVO must complete BFA Form 754C, Request for Family/Domestic Violence Option, and provide any of the following documentation:

•       court, medical, criminal, child protective services, social services, psychological or law enforcement records;

•       a written statement from a public or private social agency;

•       a written statement from a public or private social agency providing family/domestic violence services; or

•       sworn statements from individuals, other than family members, with knowledge of the circumstances.

Exception: If an individual is unable to obtain the documentation listed above, the individual requesting the FVO may sign the section on BFA Form 754C indicating that they or a family member are or have been a victim of sexual harassment, or survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and that compliance with program requirements would:

-    make it more difficult for the family to escape the violence;

-    unfairly penalize the family who is or has been victimized by such violence; or

-    put the family at further risk of violence.

False information provided on BFA Form 754C will result in the denial of the FVO request and is referred to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for fraud investigation if the individual received FANF financial assistance based upon the false information.

While still with the individual, the department must contact the Assessment and Intervention Unit (AIU) at 1-800-852-3345 ext 19322 or at 271-9322 to schedule the individual for an FVO assessment. The AIU Counselor can speak directly with the individual to schedule an appointment.

If the department reaches the AIU answering machine, leave a message on the machine with the individual’s name, case number, RID number, and a safe phone number at which a return call to the individual can be made.

Regardless of whether or not AIU was contacted during the interview, follow up with an email to the mailbox FVO Community Referrals.

If it is not safe to call the individual, inform the individual it is their responsibility to contact the AIU within 2 days.

If the department or the individual requesting the FVO does not make contact with an AIU Counselor to schedule this required FVO assessment, the department must notify the individual that:

•       the individual is responsible for contacting the AIU at the number above within 2 business days to schedule this assessment; and

•       failure to schedule and participate in this assessment will result in an automatic denial of the accommodations in NHEP.

Specific Requirements

An individual may request accommodations in NHEP requirements based upon family/domestic violence provided the individual making the FVO request:

•       follows the FVO Standardized Procedures and Documentation above for documenting and verifying a claim based upon family/domestic violence;

•       participates in an individualized FVO assessment with an AIU Counselor; and

•       develops an individualized service plan.

References: He-W 637.18; 45 CFR 260.50-260.55; 42 USC 602(a)(7); 42 USC 608(a)(7)(C)(iii)