DPSS ePolicy

To convert existing policy to new writing style only - No concept changes 

When a Self-Initiated Program (SIP) activity is interrupted, the same SIP training program may resume when the following criteria are met:

• The SIP was interrupted due to a Good Cause Reason; 
• The participant maintained satisfactory progress in the program while participating prior to the interruption; and
• The program continues to meet the SIP approval criteria at a private school.

Sanction
A sanctioned participant may resume the SIP activity if the sanction is cured, and the participant maintained satisfactory progress in their SIP prior to the non-compliance period or had the SIP interrupted for a reason that meets Good Cause criteria.

Exempt
A participant may be excused from Welfare-to-Work (WtW) participation when they request it, and they are determined eligible for an exemption.

A SIP participant who chooses not to be an Exempt Volunteer may resume their SIP activity if they maintained satisfactory progress in the SIP training program prior to the case being deregistered due to the exemption or had the SIP interrupted for a reason that meets Good Cause criteria.

Exempt Volunteers participating in a SIP activity are not required to participate for 20/30 hours a week.
 

N/A

Exemptions

Certain circumstances and categories which participants may request to be evaluated for in order to be "Exempt" from participating in WtW/REP activities. 

Good Cause 

Under certain circumstances, participants who have a situation that stops them from working or participating in GAIN, can ask to be excused by requesting good cause. Participants may need to provide proof, such as a doctor’s note.
 

Evaluation of Good Cause

An evaluation for Good Cause is required to identify and determine the potential eligibility for an exemption when a participant indicates significant barriers to full participation in the SIP activity.

Refer to GAIN Chapter 400 on Exemptions and Good Cause for a list of Good Cause reasons.

Exempt Participant

A participant who enrolled in school on or before their GAIN Appraisal appointment or was not required to attend a GAIN Appraisal before becoming exempt, may qualify for a SIP if they choose to volunteer during the exemption or after the exemption ends and all SIP criteria are met.

A participant who is granted an exemption after completing a GAIN Appraisal appointment and subsequently enrolls in a degree or certificate program during the exemption period, is NOT eligible for a SIP if they chose to volunteer or after the exemption ends.

Notification of SIP Approval or Denial

The GN 6146, Self-Initiated Program (SIP) Notice of Action, along with a copy of the NA BACK 9, Your Hearing Rights form, must be given or mailed to the participant within three business days of the date the SIP is approved or denied.

Deregistration of GAIN Case

GAIN Services Workers (GSWs)/Contracted Case Managers (CCMs) hold CalWORKs terminated cases for one calendar month following the month of termination to prevent unnecessary disruption to the WtW activity and supportive services in the event the CalWORKs case is restored or rescinded. If the CalWORKs case remains terminated after one calendar month, the GAIN case may be deregistered.
 

Good Cause

Affidavit, written or verbal third-party documentation stating the reason for not participating in the SIP activity.

Satisfactory Progress

The GN 6070, Progress Report-Education/Training/Post-Employment Services/Work Experience and Community Service Program, is required to verify progress in the SIP.

Acceptable Alternate
When efforts to have the school complete the GN 6070 are unsuccessful, one of the three documents below may be provided to the GSW/CCM:

1. A current report card, or its equivalent, as proof of progress;
2. A written sworn statement (affidavit) until the progress report, report card, or its equivalent can be provided; or
3. A letter from a school official, such as a counselor or CalWORKs Coordinator who can report the participant’s progress. The letter must:

• Be on the school’s letterhead;
• Be stamped with the school’s official stamp; and
• Include the signature of the school official who authored the letter.