Barrier Resolution SR 99-08, 03/99 (FAM-A)

A serious and substantial personal barrier is the temporary inability of the individual to seek and accept employment due to a debilitating situation including but not limited to:

• Homelessness;

• Impending eviction;

• Substance abuse or addiction of the individual or family member;

• A crisis within the family or with a child or another family member;

• Domestic abuse;

• Physical or mental disability, emotional or mental instability, including depression;

• Legal problems; or

• Any other serious and substantial personal situation which needs to be resolved before employment or preparation for employment shall be pursued.

Barrier resolution services are available to NHEP individuals in any phase of the program and may suspend any component or be combined with any other NHEP activities specified on the EP.

Participation in barrier resolution services as the sole activity does not count towards the 26 week job search requirement.

Participant Requirements

• Individuals are required to participate in NHEP services or be referred to community services as their NHEP activity to resolve the temporary serious and substantial personal barriers when agreed upon with the individual and identified on their Employability Plan. Community services are only required provided that the activities are covered by Medicaid, or do not generate a cost to the NHEP individual.

• Individuals must not be referred to any barrier resolution activities unless agreed upon by the participant.

Exception: Individuals involved in domestic violence situations or any other situation that puts the family at risk are not required to participate in barrier resolution services. Whenever in doubt, do not require participation in the barrier resolution activity.

• Minimum hourly participation requirements do not apply to individuals actively participating, cooperating and progressing in barrier resolution activities.

• Hourly participation in barrier resolution activity is counted toward participation.

Support Services

The following support services may be authorized for this activity:

• Child care assistance; and

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage and auto repair reimbursement).