003.07 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

A victim of domestic violence may be exempt from Employment First. All Employment First participants are screened for domestic violence. A victim of domestic violence is defined as someone who is battered or subject to extreme cruelty. For an individual to qualify for this exemption, it must be determined that participation in Employment First would make it more difficult for the individual to escape domestic violence, would penalize the individual, or would put him or her at risk of further domestic violence. An individualized service plan must be developed with the individual who qualifies for exemption. The following criteria must be met for domestic violence exemptions: (A) An individual is considered to be battered or subjected to extreme cruelty if he or she has been subjected to: (B) Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury to the individual; (C) Sexual abuse; (D) Sexual activity involving a dependent child; (E) Being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependent child to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities; (F) Threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse; (G) Mental abuse; (H) Neglect or deprivation of medical care; or (I) Stalking. (i) In order to qualify for this exemption, the individual must have an assessment for domestic violence. There must be verification of the domestic violence; and (ii) This exemption is granted for a period of up to six months. Additional periods may be granted for up to six months per period depending on the participant’s needs and service plan, but the participant’s eligibility for exemption must be reassessed before the Department may grant any additional exemption period.