Purpose

This letter transmits rules governing the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP).

This transmittal contains three rules and one accompanying form.

• 5101:14-1-02          CCMEP: General
• 5101:14-1-03          CCMEP: Program Plan
• 5101:14-1-04          CCMEP: Assessment and Individual Service Strategy
• JFS 03006,             CCMEP: Comprehensive Assessment – Secondary School

Background

On June 30, 2015, Governor Kasich signed House Bill 64 into law. Section 305.190 of the bill establishes a framework to transform the network of human services and workforce programs to find a new way to work for low-income Ohioans. This framework serves 16 to 24-year-olds, where early intervention can have the greatest effect.

CCMEP was implemented statewide beginning July 1, 2016. CCMEP takes a coordinated, holistic approach to stabilizing individuals and families by addressing the myriad of factors that may be contributing to poverty and unemployment.

After much stakeholder feedback there is a recognition that: 1) the definition of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility needs revised to allow individuals previously served through TANF Summer Youth Employment Program to be eligible and 2) the need for flexibility around the assessment and engagement for CCMEP participants who are attending secondary education versus those who are in post-secondary education or who are out-of-school. At this time, CCMEP will be revised to allow for appropriate assessment and engagement requirements when working with youth who are in secondary school (i.e., grades six through twelve).

In addition, a Family Assistance Letter will be issued in early January allowing an avenue for 14 and 15 year old youth to be served.

Overview of Revisions

Rule 5101:14-1-02 of the Administrative Code has been revised to expand the temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) eligibility criteria. This has been done so that more participants may be served with TANF funding.

Case management requirements are reflected in rule 5101:14-1-03 of the Administrative Code. This rule has been revised to specify that the case management requirements for program participants enrolled in secondary school will occur on a quarterly basis at a minimum.

Rule 5101:14-1-04 of the Administrative Code has been revised to allow program participants who are enrolled in secondary school to receive a simpler assessment. Additionally, the definition of secondary school was added to this rule.