5.5.1.1 When to Use a Formal Assessment

A FEP can determine the need for a formal assessment at any point; however, a formal assessment must be offered within 30 calendar days of any of the following situations:

An individual presents medical or other information, including their own statement that indicates they may have a disability or other barrier to participation in the W-2 program or employment; or

A W-2 agency staff or contractor observe behavior that indicates the need for a formal assessment.

The FEP must offer a referral for a formal assessment in any of the following situations:

A participant is placed in a W-2 T W-2 Transition position. Participants placed in W-2 T must have a formal assessment scheduled and documented on the EP within 30 calendar days of placement into W-2 T; and

The results of the WWP Wisconsin Work Programs Informal Assessment indicates a need for further evaluation for identification of a disability or other barrier to participation in the W-2 program or employment.

Note : When a participant is referred for a formal assessment based on the information discussed during the WWP Informal Assessment, any relevant information must be shared with the assessing agency if the participant agrees to sign a release of information.

When offering a formal assessment, the FEP must:

Document the formal assessment referral date on the WWP Participant Barrier Details or in the Family Barriers page;

Open a FA -- Formal Assessment Pending status for participants who agree to a formal assessment (see 6.4.1 ); and

Have a formal assessment activity scheduled and documented on the EP within 30 calendar days of the referral date indicated on the corresponding WWP Participant Barrier Details or Family Barriers page.

The FEP can document the results on the Participant Barriers Details page without having to add an activity on the EP when the individual:

Has an acceptable previously completed formal assessment; or

Obtains a formal assessment without informing the FEP that they scheduled the appointment.

FEPs should consider a formal assessment acceptable if completed within one year prior to the WWP Informal Assessment or W-2 T placement. It may be necessary for the W-2 agency to follow-up with the agency or individual who completed the assessment to interpret the assessment results and determine if any new treatment is being explored.

If the prior formal assessment results have an expiration date that indicates the results are no longer valid or there is reason to believe the formal assessment information does not reflect the participant’s current circumstances, then a new formal assessment must be completed.

Results from a prior formal assessment may only be used if the assessment:

Contains the necessary elements (see 5.5.3 ); and

Is relevant to the employment barrier in question.

For example, if a formal assessment completed eight months ago evaluated the need for AODA services, but the potential employment barrier indicated in the WWP Informal Assessment relates to learning needs, then a new formal assessment must be completed.