808.09 Referral to NHEP Teams SR 16-12 Dated 06/16

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/Domestic Violence Standardized Procedures and Documentation

The individual requesting accommodations in NHEP participation under the Family Violence Option (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 a client 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 family/domestic violence and that compliance with program requirements would:

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

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

- put the family at further risk of family/domestic 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 assistance based upon the false information.

While still with the client, the Family Services Specialist (FSS) or NHEP representative must contact the Assessment and Intervention Unit (AIU) at 1-800-852-3345 ext 9322 or at 271-9322 to schedule the client for an FVO assessment. The AIU Counselor can speak directly with the client to schedule an appointment. If the staff person reaches the AIU answering machine leave a message on the machine with the client’s name, case number, RID number, and a safe phone number at which a return call to the client 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 client, inform the client it is their responsibility to contact the AIU within 2 days.

If the staff person or client does not make contact with an AIU Counselor to schedule this required FVO assessment, the FSS or NHEP representative must notify the client that:

• the client 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

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

 · follows the Family/Domestic Violence 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(c); 45 CFR 260.50-260.55; 42 USC 602(a)(7); 42 USC 608(a)(7)(C)(iii)