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Diversion Candidate Determination
After “Apparent Eligibility” has been determined, the EW must obtain background information to determine if the family is eligible for, or likely to succeed, with a Diversion payment.
The “Financial Evaluation” (SCD 1438) may be completed by both the EW and the applicant to evaluate the financial situation of the family. It will become apparent whether a certain amount of outside financial help (i.e., wages, Child Support, UIB, etc. [not CalWORKs]) and/or services will enable this family to become self-sufficient. Refer to Family Financial Evaluation.
If an employment evaluation or employment services are needed, a referral must be made to an EC. Refer to Referral Process to Employment Counselor (EC).
The “Customer Survey” (SCD 1306) may also be used by the EW and the applicant to obtain enough information about the family’s needs to determine if a Diversion payment would be appropriate. The applicant may be asked the following types of questions:
- Briefly tell me why you are here?
- What difficulties are you experiencing?
- Do you have a plan or specific goal in mind?
- What barriers or obstacles do you see to accomplishing your plan/goal?
- What is your work history and education information?
- What are your family health, housing, child care, transportation and financial needs? Refer to Customer Survey.
A simplified version of what the EW is looking for can be summed up in the chart below. The first column describes traits that may indicate the applicant should apply for CalWORKs. The second column indicates the applicant might be a good candidate for Diversion.
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A CalWORKs Applicant has... |
A Diversion Candidate has... |
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No:
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Any or all of the following:
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Drug/Health Problems |
No serious Drug/Health Problems |
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No Motivation |
Motivation |
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Few skills, no skills or skills that must be updated. |
A work plan/goal. |
Refer to Criteria Indicating a Good Candidate [EAS 81-215.32] and Red Flag Indicators below for further information.
Criteria Indicating a Good Candidate
[EAS 81-215.32]
The EW must review the following criteria/parameters to determine if an applicant should be considered for the Diversion Program.
- The applicant has a consistent employment history, as evidenced by such factors as length of overall employment appropriate to applicant’s age, length of time on each job reflecting stability, regular pattern of work history with few gaps, and gaps covered primarily without frequently applying for cash aid.
- There is a likelihood the applicant will find immediate, full-time employment supported by the applicant’s strengths and skills in an area of high-demand with existing job opportunities.
- The overall likelihood that the applicant will become self-sufficient in the immediate future appears sound. Available income, or soon to be available income, will meet family needs on an on-going basis and there are few barriers to becoming self-sufficient.
- The applicant’s need for cash assistance to pay for housing or substantial and unexpected expenses or work-related expenses.
- The applicant has a history of stable housing.
- The applicant’s child care arrangements are adequate, available during employment hours, and applicant has a back-up plan for sick child care.
Red Flag Indicators
The following is a list of indicators that the Diversion program may not be appropriate.The applicant:
- Has little or no work history and/or marketable skills.
- Must pay outstanding fines or past due child support in order to renew a driver’s license.
- Expects an extended period of education/training before self-sufficiency can be achieved.
- Has a history of multiple job changes in short periods of time.
- Applies and reapplies for public assistance within a short period of time, demonstrating repeated financial crisis.
- Has a history of basic need crisis’, (i.e., temporary or no housing, transportation, child care, no support system) that cannot be resolved immediately.
- Is experiencing mental health or medical difficulties, is a substance abuser, or has other chronic problems that cannot be immediately resolved.
- Has a history of continual injury or illness. Sometimes this can be someone with a disabling severe medical problem or there may be some underlying issue.
- Has a family history which indicates a previous failure to utilize the Diversion program according to a prior agreement and plan.
- Has a financial situation showing the family cannot attain self-sufficiency (income is inadequate).
Related Topics
Diversion and Incentive Periods
Referral Process to Employment Counselor (EC)