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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach First Rules Economic Services Division 2100 8
2113 Support Services (08/01/2024, 23-32)
a. Support services are services and referrals needed for the accomplishment of the participant's goals and the implementation of their FDP. b. Reach First households are eligible for and subject to the same conditions for receiving Reach Up support services as indicated in rule 2303 and its subsections. 2114 Participant Responsibilities (08/01/2024, 23-32)
a. Each Reach First participant shall participate in their FDP requirements. b. Each participant shall continue to work on goals outlined on their FDP until the household is no longer eligible for Reach First or transferred to Reach Up or PSE. c. If a household is transferred to Reach Up or PSE, the rules of that program apply. 2115 Non-Engagement (08/01/2024, 23-32)
a. Participants, who do not engage with Reach First services responsibilities without good cause (rule 2120.1), shall not receive Reach First benefits until they engage. 2116 Types of Non-Engagement (08/01/2024, 23-32) a. Participants must engage in all Reach First services requirements unless good cause exists for non- engagement. b. The Department will excuse non-engagement supported by good cause (rules 2120 and 2120.1). c. Non-engagement exists when the participant refuses to, or does not, engage in the following actions: 1. Appear for an assessment after one written request by the Department; 2. Cooperate in the development of the FDP; 3. Attend and participate fully in FDP activities; 4. Refrain from behavior that is disruptive to a program activity or the orderly administration of the program; 5. Refrain from behavior that constitutes a threat or hazard to fellow participants; 6. Accept appropriate child care (Reach Up Services rule 2326) or other support services that would allow participation in FDP activities; 7. Follow through on treatment or rehabilitation services plans; 8. Appear for a referral to, or interview for, a job consistent with the FDP; or 9. Apply for, or comply with, the requirements of unemployment compensation, if otherwise eligible.
2116.1 De Facto Refusal (08/01/2024, 23-32) a. De facto refusal occurs when non-engagement is implied by a participant not engaging in one or more Reach First requirements without good cause.