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No. 133 Page 4 of 26 2022

VT LEG #363612 v.1 modify as necessary, create a family development plan established under the Reach First or Reach Up program for each participating family, with a right of appeal as provided by section 1132 of this title. A case manager shall be assigned to each participating family as soon as the family begins to receive financial assistance. If administratively feasible and appropriate, the case manager shall be the same case manager the family was assigned in the Reach First program. The applicant for or recipient of financial assistance under this chapter shall have the burden of demonstrating the existence of his or her condition. (2) Each case manager shall utilize a universal engagement model that aims to engage each participating family, to the best of their ability, in improving the family’s social, emotional, and economic well-being. The universal engagement model approaches work and workforce development as a continuum in which each participating adult who is able participates in work or the process of preparing for work, participates in training and education, and increases the participating family’s income. A participating adult who is unable to participate due to extenuating personal or family challenges shall be excused from the program participation requirements until able to participate, in accordance with criteria established by rule pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25. (3) The case manager shall meet with each participating family following any statutory or rule changes affecting the amount of the earned income disregard, asset limitations, or other eligibility or benefit criteria in the