Code of Vermont Rules › Agency 13 - AGENCY OF HUMAN SERVICES › Sub-Agency 170 - DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (DCF) › Chapter 210 - REACH FIRST PROGRAM (2100) › Section 13 170 210 - REACH FIRST PROGRAM (2100)

Current through June, 2024
Section 2100 Reach
				First
The purpose of the Reach First program is to stabilize
				  families experiencing a short-term crisis, assess their strengths and needs,
				  and orient them to available programs, services, assistance, and participants'
				  responsibilities. The goal is to improve family self-sufficiency, economic
				  independence, and ensure the well-being of children. Reach First helps to
				  stabilize the family by providing monetary payments and support services of
				  limited duration while the family regains its independence and stability, or is
				  assessed and transitions to an appropriate alternative program.
A family that meets eligibility criteria for Reach Up
				  financial assistance and has needs that can be fully addressed by Reach First
				  payments and support services may be eligible for Reach First. Financially
				  eligible families not appropriate or qualified for Reach First shall be
				  referred to other programs available to assist the family in obtaining the
				  opportunities and skills necessary to gain self-sufficiency and economic
				  independence.
Section 2101
				Definitions
The definitions applicable to Reach First rules are the
				  definitions at Reach Up rule 2341 and are incorporated into Reach First rules
				  by this reference.
Section
				2110 Eligibility
To qualify for Reach First, the applicant family must qualify
				  for Reach Up using Reach Up financial eligibility rules. The 60-month time
				  limit (rule 2238 ) does not apply to Reach First eligibility. In addition to
				  qualifying for Reach Up financial assistance, the applicant family must meet
				  the Reach First eligibility criteria and, if it has no members who are
				  mandatory applicants (rule
				  2117 ), must choose to
				  participate in Reach First.
Families who qualify for and participate in Reach First are
				  initially certified as eligible for a four-month period (certification period)
				  that commences with the first day of the first calendar month in which the
				  family receives a Reach First payment or support service. The certification
				  period may be shortened if changes in the family's circumstances make them no
				  longer eligible.
Section
				2111 Financial Eligibility
Financial eligibility for Reach First is evaluated and
				  determined using Reach Up financial assistance rules 2200 through 2299 which
				  are incorporated into Reach First rules by this reference except for the
				  following sections:
A.
Continued Assistance Pending Fair Hearing
2215
B.
Money Payment
2216.2.
Section
				2112 Personal Interview
A personal interview shall be conducted in accordance with
				  Reach Up rule 2211.2.C. The interview shall include sufficient information
				  about programs, benefits, and participant responsibilities to enable applicants
				  to make informed decisions about program participation. At the personal
				  interview, the department shall provide the following to all
				  applicants(s):
A. Information about
				all programs administered by the department, services and referrals available
				to the family, program requirements, participant responsibilities, consequences
				of failure to meet responsibilities, and incentives for participation and
				obtaining employment;
B. Financial
				and self-sufficiency screening;
C.
				Determination of Reach First eligibility related to past receipt of Reach First
				payment and to the need for ongoing assistance;
D. Determination of appropriateness for Reach
				First referral; and
E.
				Determination of whether the family chooses to participate in Reach First, if
				it is a family with no Reach First mandatory applicants.