Assessment Process

Family Financial Evaluation

The “Financial Evaluation” (SCD 1438) may be completed to review and evaluate the financial situation of the family. The object is to evaluate last month’s, this month’s and next month’s finances. Does the income cover the client’s expenses? If not, how do they intend to support themselves?

Can we help? (i.e., application for unemployment benefits, help them obtain child support, etc.)
Is the situation temporary?
What will it take to make them self-sufficient?

If there is no solution, or possibility of immediate employment, this is not a likely candidate for Diversion. If their income covers their expenses, this may be a strong candidate for Diversion.

The SCD 1438 is a suggested form; it is not required.

Customer Survey

The following areas may be explored to evaluate the stability of the family and potential obstacles or barriers to self-sufficiency. This information can be obtained by the EW, using the “Customer Survey” (SCD 1306) as a guideline. The SCD 1306 covers the following information:

Work History/Job Skills
Housing
Child Care
Transportation
Health of the Family
Pending Legal Issues
Motivation, and
Finances.

Applicant’s Work History/Job Skills

Is their work history consistent
Is their work history appropriate to their age
Does the length of time on the job reflect stability
- Was it temporary work
- How long did they work
Are there few gaps in their work history
- Did they apply for assistance during the gaps
- Are the gaps in work history explainable (i.e., pregnancy, temporary disability)
What are the reasons for leaving employment
What did they do on the last job, listed by skills
Are their skills in high demand
What is their education level
- Basic
- Related to work
Have they completed any training programs
Do their skills need updating
Do they have a criminal background (i.e., are they bondable?)
Is there a loss of license
Do they have job search skills
- Resume
- Internet Skills
- A basic understanding of the labor market?

Housing

How long have they lived at each address during the last 5 years
Reasons for leaving?

Child Care

How long have they had their current child care provider
Do they have a balance owing to the child care provider
What hours will the child care provider cover
Is there a back-up child care provider
Will the provider give child care for shift work
Is the provider authorized for child care payments (i.e., willing to provide an SSN)?

Diversion recipients are eligible for Stage III child care. If there are no Stage III slots available, they may be served in Stage II slots (if there are available slots). When there are no Stage II or III slots, the only child care available is through the CalWORKs cash aid program.

Transportation

How does the family get from place to place (i.e. shopping, appointments)
Is public transportation available
Can they car pool
Do they have a valid California Drivers License
What is their Department of Motor Vehicles driving record
Do they have a car
- How reliable is it
- Do they have car insurance
- Do they need car repairs
- What is the repair record of the car?

Health

Does anyone in the family have emotional/mental problems
Is anyone using drugs
Does anyone have any physical handicaps
Does anyone have any special needs
Has there been an incidence of domestic violence
Does anyone have medical needs, if yes, are they chronic or one-time only?

Diversion recipients are not categorically linked to Medi-Cal. Follow the normal application procedures to process the Medi-Cal application.

Pending Legal Issues

Motivation

Do they show up for appointments
Are they on time for appointments
Are they forthcoming with information or evasive
Have they been looking for work
What kind of follow-up have they done
Do they have a plan
Why hasn’t it worked?

Finances

Do they have credit problems
Is their child support income steady
Are their earnings steady
What are they able to contribute to their needs?

The SCD 1306 is a suggested forms, it is not required.

Family Diversion Contract

Once the EW has determined that the applicant is eligible for the Diversion program, the “Family Diversion Contract” (SCD 1307) must be completed. The SCD 1307 is a mandatory form.

The SCD 1307 is completed by the EW with the applicant so the full process is understood. It designates who is responsible to complete which tasks in order to achieve and resolve any issues affecting the goal for self-sufficiency. The expectations are clear for both the agency and the client. The required timelines are provided. The EW keeps the original copy of the SCD 1307, with the client’s and EW’s signature, in the case record. A photocopy of the signed document is made for the client. An additional photocopy is made of page 3 of the SCD 1307 and sent to the AAC Program Coordinator. Payment is then made.

If both parents are in the home, a separate SCD 1307 must be completed by each parent. Each SCD 1307 must be signed by the EW, the parent (or caretaker) and the second parent (if in the home). This is a family agreement for success.