|
TO: County Commissioners
County Departments of Human Services
FROM: Arnold R. Tompkins, Director
SUBJECT: UP-FRONT APPRAISAL STATE MODEL
Effective October 1, 1997, all counties are required to conduct up-front appraisals (Ohio Revised
Code 5107.41). The Ohio Department of Human Services (ODHS) has prepared the enclosed up-front appraisal state model for use or modification by the counties. In keeping with the principle of
giving counties maximum flexibility in designing and implementing programs, counties may also
design their own up-front appraisal. Counties should choose one format and use it consistently in
order to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all participants.
The major goal of Ohio Works First (OWF) is to help participants transition from welfare
dependency toward personal responsibility, employment and self-sufficiency. Substitute House Bill
408 created some specific requirements for CDHS' in this process. One of the requirements is that
the CDHS conduct an "up-front appraisal" of all adult and minor head of household participants in
an OWF cash Assistance Group (AG). The up-front appraisal forms the foundation for building the
participant's work plan for self-sufficiency and personal responsibility through unsubsidized
employment within OWF time limits. It documents and assesses each participant's economic,
educational, employment and family history. Minors who are not in school and do not have a high
school diploma or GED are included in the population to receive the up-front appraisal.
The up-front appraisal:
1) Should be conducted as soon as possible after AG submits application;
2) Should include an evaluation of employment, educational, physiological and psychological
abilities/liabilities;
3) Should be used to develop work assignments;
4) May occur as often as the CDHS determines is necessary.
Counties are encouraged to submit their Appraisal models to ODHS so that they may be shared with
other counties. Further information about the up-front appraisal may be obtained by referencing
section 5107.41 of HB 408. Any questions regarding this model or the format for county-designed
alternatives can be addressed to:
Robert Haas, Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
Ohio Department of Human Services
30 East Broad Street, 31st Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43266-0423
phone: (614) 644-6937
fax: (614) 728-2984
ART:jw
Enclosure
c: Child Support Enforcement Agencies
Public Children Services Agencies
District Directors
|