107.63 AMR Section: “Barriers to Goal Achievement"

In the “Barriers to Goal Achievement ” the caseworker must complete the Job Readiness Assessment checklist (see CAH 135.11 , RESET Enrollment Status) to identify barriers and criteria to determine the appropriate RESET participation project referral. The participation requirement will be based on how the client answers the Job Readiness Assessment questions. See Job Readiness Assessment Guide .

The CAO should include any barriers that may prevent an individual's ability to participate in an activity or that the person chooses to disclose.

Examples:

Full or partial mental or physical disabilities.

Domestic violence (See CAH 108.11 , Completing the Domestic Violence Agreement of Mutual Responsibility) .

Substance abuse.

Children with disabilities or serious health problems.

Homelessness.

Criminal history.

Limited English proficiency.

NOTE: When domestic violence is a barrier, to ensure confidentiality, the caseworker must never document it on the AMR, but instead refer to domestic violence as "supportive services". The caseworker must document the circumstances and information about domestic violence in the case record narrative .

If a TANF program requirement has been waived because the person cannot safely apply for support or participate in work activities due to DV , the AMR must document that a waiver of that requirement has been granted. Again, no reference to “domestic violence” should be made on the AMR, even if it was the reason for the waiver , however, document the waiver due to supportive services, and for how long the waiver is in effect including dates . Although recipients may self-attest on the PA 1747 , a referral to DV services must be made each time the AMR is created or updated . The caseworker must note the reason for the waiver in the case narrative . See 108.11 Completing the Domestic Violence Agreement of Mutual Responsibility .

The AMR serves as the federal service plan for domestic violence waivers.

55 Pa. Code § 108.17(c)

45 CFR 260.55

Serious health problems, such as HIV/AIDS, drug or alcohol addiction, and mental health issues, may be barriers to employment. The caseworker must not note the specific condition on the AMR. Instead, the caseworker must note that there is a serious, chronic, or acute medical condition and record specific information about the medical condition in the case narrative .

The caseworker must do the following:

Consider barriers that the person must overcome, and use the person’s strengths to decide on the most appropriate activities.

Always address barriers to goal achievement , such as language, education, transportation, or child care with the person.

Develop a plan, such as “Take ESL classes,” to help the person reduce the barrier’s effect on the goal of becoming self- sufficient . Any steps the person takes to improve their situation are steps in the right direction. The person’s participation is critical.

1 07.64 AMR Section: “Employment & Training Status”

In the "Employment & Training Status" section, the caseworker must indicate the person's employment and training status by checking the appropriate box:

Mandatory: The person is subject to work (RESET) requirements.

Exempt: The person is not subject to work (RESET) requirements because of an exemption.