DPSS ePolicy

The Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow (START) Program has developed a new activity called the START Financial Literacy Program (SFLP). The SFLP is designed to assist participants in developing financial literacy skills, including budgeting, credit management, debt reduction, and responsible financial decision-making.

The SFLP is a four-week virtual activity hosted by the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA). It includes four two-hour webinars conducted over a two-week period. The SFLP curriculum includes the following topics:  

• Banking Basics,
• Money Management,
• Landlord/Tenant Rights,
• Responsibilities: Beware of Financial Pitfalls,
• Common Consumer Scams,
• Dealing with Debt and Debt Collectors,
• Understanding Credit, and
• Credit Reports and Preventing Identity Theft.

START Case Managers (SCM) may assign participants to the SFLP at any point during their time in the START Program. START participants assigned to the SFLP activity must be assigned to a concurrent Interactive Case Management (ICM) activity to meet the START Program's requirement of 20 weekly hours of participation.  

A review of DCBA's existing financial literacy courses determined that the content aligns with the needs of START participants. As a result, the START Program Section, in collaboration with DCBA, developed the SFLP activity to address financial insecurity commonly expressed by START participants. Through this partnership, START participants will receive structured financial education that supports their transition into employment and promotes long-term financial independence. 

Case Management Appointment (CMA)

A START activity is scheduled for START participants to meet with their SCM. During this activity, the SCM assesses the participants' progress and barriers to obtaining employment. 

DCBA

DCBA serves consumers, businesses, and communities through education, advocacy, and complaint resolution. Their mission is to create a fair and vibrant marketplace for consumers and businesses. 

Financial Literacy 

The understanding and application of financial skills, including budgeting, saving, debt management, and effective money decisions.  

SFLP

A START activity that consists of four two-hour webinars, hosted by the DCBA, and a consecutive ICM activity. The goal of the course is to prepare participants to maintain healthy financial habits and confidently make sensible financial decisions on their journey to self-sufficiency. 

Webinar

A workshop/seminar conducted over the internet. 

Webex

An interactive webinar platform. 
 

Referring Participants to the SFLP Activity

SCMs may refer START participants to this activity at any time during their time in the START Program if the participant: 

• Has access to a device with internet access, along with an active email address,
• Is able to attend the virtual financial literacy webinars independently without supervision, and
• Has at least 30 days remaining on their General Relief (GR) time limit.
   

Completing the SFLP Activity

START participants must complete the following in order to receive credit for completing the SFLP activity:

1. Attend all four two-hour webinars with DCBA, and 
2. Submit their completed START 85, START Supervised Job Search Assignment, form to their SCM on or before their Return GROW 85 appointment.
   
   Note: Participants who fail to complete their assigned ICM activity may be placed in non-compliance.

SCMs will use the following documents to verify the participants' completion of the SFLP activity:

1. Attendance Report from DCBA to verify if the participant attended all four two-hour webinars, and 
2. START 85 to verify if the participant completed the concurrent ICM assignment. 

START Financial Literacy Flyer