Page 7

Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach First Rules Economic Services Division 2100 7

3. Referral to any programs that provide the services needed; and 4. Transition to Reach Up or Post Secondary Education (PSE). 2110 Assessment (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. All Reach First participants shall cooperate in initial and ongoing assessments. b. The assessment includes the following: 1. Identification of the participant's strengths, skills, goals, interests, and work experience; 2. Determination of whether the participant has obstacles and how these obstacles relate to their goals and ability to work; 3. Literacy evaluation; and 4. Determination of the services needed to achieve the participant's employment and other applicable goals through implementation of their family development plan (FDP). 2111 Case Management (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. Case management shall be available to any Reach First household. b. A case manager shall be assigned to each Reach First participant as soon as they begin to receive benefits. c. Caseloads shall be consistent with Reach Up services caseload size (rule 2302.1). d. When, after assessment and establishment of the FDP, it is determined the household is not appropriate for Reach First, the case manager shall review Reach Up and PSE with them and, if requested by the household, attempt to transfer them. 2112 Family Development Plans (08/01/2024, 23-32)

a. Every Reach First participant must create an FDP.

b. The FDP shall include: 1. Each participant's employment and other applicable goals; 2. An assessment of each participant's strengths and obstacles; 3. A literacy evaluation followed by a referral to an appropriate resource or program; 4. An identification of the services, supports, and accommodations needed to overcome any obstacles and move the participant towards their goals; and 5. An outline of participant and department responsibilities with a time schedule for fulfillment of these responsibilities and activities. c. The FDP shall be completed within 30 days of the first meeting with Reach First program staff.

d. Reach First program staff and participants shall establish a schedule for periodic review of the FDP that shall remain in place, as appropriate, if the household transfers to Reach Up or PSE.