HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09141993 - 1.131 r
T(,+ BOARD OF SUPERVISORS .E Contra
FROM:
Costa
'."
Perfecto Villarreal Director
A 6ft County
DATE: August 27, 1993
SUBJECT: 1993/94 COUNTY PLAN FOR REFUGEE SERVICES
CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I. APPROVE the 1993/94 County Plan for Refugee Services.
Il. AUTHORIZE the Social Service Director or his designee to ACCEPT
estimated Federal Refugee Program funding and execute State
agreements as follows:
Funding Program Anticipated
Source Period Funding Amt.
1) Refugee Employment 10/1/93 - 9/30/94 $220, 599
Social Services (RESS)
2) Targeted Assistance 10/1/93 - 9/30/94 $246, 537
(TA)
3) Mutual Assistance 10/1/93 - 9/30/94 $ 16, 010
Association Grant (MAA)
III. AUTHORIZE the Social Service Director or his designee to
prepare and execute amendments for subsequent and increased funding
allocations as they are received on the condition that no general
funds are required.
IV. AUTHORIZE the Social Service Director or his designee to enter
into contracts with the following service contractors:
Service/Contractor ' Amount
Central Intake Unit $85, 322
CCC Superintendent of Schools - ROP
(Source of funds - RESS - $59, 322
TA $26, 000)
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: / YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON SEP 14 1993 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X_ OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
—4 UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
cc: Contact: Bob Hofmann 313-1593 ATTESTED SEP 14 1993
SOCIAL SERVICE (CONTRACTS UNIT) PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
AUDITOR-CONTP.OLLER
CONTRACTOR '
BY DEPUTY
M382 (10/88)
f
RECOMMENDATIONS CONT.
English as a Second Language - West County $90, 386
Catholic Charities & International
Institute of the East Bay
(Source of funds - RESS)
Youth Employment Program $37,801
Lao Family Community Development, Inc
(Source of funds - RESS)
Social Adjustment $54,937
Lao Family Community Development, Inc. &
Vietnamese Family, Inc
(Source of funds - TA $38,927
MAA 16, 010)
Employment Services $1101194
CCC Superintendent of Schools - ROP
(Source of funds - TA)
Health Care Worker Training $32 ,486
CCC Superintendent of Schools - ROP
(Source of funds - TA)
Information and Referral - Central/East County $14, 035
Center for New Americans
(Source of funds - Title XX)
Information and Referral - West County $140, 035
Lao Family Community Development, Inc.
(Source of funds - Title XX)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for all of the above is from the Federal Office of-Refugee
Resettlement. No County funds are involved. Total funds
available: Title XX, $28, 070; Targeted Assistance, $246, 537;
Refugee Employment Social Services, $ $220, 599; Mutual Assistance
Association Grant, $16, 010.
BACKGROUND:
On March 20, 1984 , the Board designated the Social Service
Department as the agency responsible for planning and writing
County Plans for Refugee Targeted Assistance (TA) services.
Additionally, the Board resolved on November 10, 1987 that the
Department would be responsible for administering the Refugee
Employment Social Services Program (RESS) and the Mutual Assistance
Association Grant (MAA) when management responsibilities were
transferred from the State to the County effective July 1, 1988.
To receive funds for the programs shown above, Contra Costa County
is submitting the present County Plan to the State Refugee and
Immigration Program Bureau (RIPB) for their approval. This County
Plan was prepared according to guidelines issued by RIPB and with
input from the Refugee Services Advisory Council and from members
of the community at a Public Hearing.
The 1993/94 County Plan is an update of the Plan approved in 1992
at which time RFPs were issued and successful bidders were selected
for contract awards. In the interest of maintaining program
stability and continuity of services for those refugees enrolled in
current programs, it was recommended by the Advisory Council to
extend current contracts rather than go through a bid process at
this time.
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• C 1
i
REFUGEE SERVICES COUNTY PLAN
SEPTEMBER 1993
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL SERVICES
TARGETED ASSISTANCE
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT
COUNTY PLAN
MAIL
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SEPTEMBER 1993
PREPARED BY: JANETTOMPKINS
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
COUNTY PLAN FOR REFUGEE SERVICES - SEPTEMBER 1993
REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL SERVICES (RESS)
TARGETED ASSISTANCE (TA)
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT (MAA)
Contra Costa County, by virtue of its refugee population of approximately
15,000 persons, is one of 14 California counties designated as impacted by
the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) .
As an impacted county, Contra Costa is the recipient of three federal funding
sources to provide services to refugees who are recipients of public
assistance. These services include English-as-a-Second-Language, Employment
Services, Vocational Training, and Social Adjustment services. The goal of
these programs is to facilitate refugee achievement of economic self-
sufficiency as soon as possible after their arrival in the United States.
The Social Services Department was designated by the Board in 1984 as the
agency responsible for planning and administering these grants. All funds
received, except the amount set aside for county administration expenses, are
contracted out to private or public nonprofit service providers through the
RFP process.
This document is a continuation of a plan originally approved by the Board in
June, 1992 . It was subsequently revised in October, 1992 . The 1993/94 Plan
vers second year expenditure in a 3-year funding cycle for refugee services
ograms.
The Social Service Department Director assures the Board that the planning
process specified in federal guidelines was followed in developing this
County Plan. These guidelines specify that an Advisory Council be organized
consisting of representatives from refugee organizations, public and private
agencies dealing with refugee resettlement, EDD, PIC, and the Social Service
Department. The Advisory Council's duties are as follows:
1. Conduct a Labor Market Analysis
2 . Identify target groups most needful of services
3 . Analyze needs of the target population
4 . Review existing community resources
5. Identify gaps in services
6. Hold a Public Hearing to receive community input
7. Integrate Refugee Service Programs with the AFDC/GAIN Program
8. Recommend programs to be funded
The 12 member Refugee Advisory Council Met on April 29, May 6, 13 and June 3,
1992. The Public Hearing took place in Richmond on May 20, 1992 . The
Council met again on June 23, 1993 to update the Plan for the 1993/94 fiscal
year.
The advisory council members, including five representatives from refugee
mutual assistance organizations, voted unanimously to submit this funding
lan to the Director of Social Services.
COUNTY PLAN FOR REFUGEE SERVICES - 1993/94 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page 2
0
The Social Service Director approves the Advisory Council's recommendations
for expenditure of these funds as follows:
Anticipated
Amounts
I. TARGETED ASSISTANCE (10/1/93 - 9/30/94) $246, 537
County Admin. (15%) 38,927
Employment Services 110, 194
Social Adjustment (15%) 38,927
Supportive Services 26, 000
Health Care Worker Training (10/1/93-3/31/94) 32,486
II. REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL SERVICES, $220,599
(10/1/93 - 9/30/94)
County Admin. (15%) 33, 090
English as a Second Language (West County) 90, 386
Central Intake Unit 59, 322
Youth Employment Program 37,801
III. MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT
(10/1/93 - 9/30/94) 16, 010
County Admin. 0
Social Adjustment 16,010
The social Service Director requests that the Board approve acceptance of
these three federal funding levels, approve the County Plan for expenditure
of the funds, and authorize the Social Service Department to extend contracts
to current providers of services listed above.
Note: This County Plan was developed on the basis of anticipated grant
amounts. The plan will be revised later in the year when final allocations
are confirmed.
�I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1. County Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Labor Market Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 . Identification of Targeted Population . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 . Analysis of Refugee Populations Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5. Review of Existing Community Resources . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6. Supplemental Refugee Services Component (SRS) . . . . . . 20
7 . SRS Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
8. Proposed Services Components/Allocations Outcomes . . . 27
9. Program Descriptions
A. RESS Programs
1. CIU 31
2 . ESL 31
3 . Youth Employment Program 33
B. TA Programs
1. ES/VT/VESL 36
2. Supportive Services 40
3. Social Adjustment 41
4 . Health Care Worker Training Program 43
C. MAAG Program
1. Social Adjustment 46
10. Procurement Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
11. Program Monitoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
12. Miscellaneous Certifications and Assurances . . . . . . 49
13 . County Administrative Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd)
Attachments:
A. Advisory Council Roster, Calendar of Events and Agendas
B. Summary of Testimony, Public Nearing, List of Speakers
C. Description of CIU Function
D. Description of RCA Mandatory Work Registration and Sanction
System
E. Description of ESL Function
r
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
This planning document relates to FFY 1993/94, the second year of a 3-year
funding cycle for Refugee Services in Contra Costa County. The original plan
was developed in June, 1992 and revised in October, 1992 for FFY 1992/93.
From 1975 to the present, California has become host to approximately one
third of the refugees admitted into the United States during that time. These
refugees first came from South East Asia and then later from the Middle East,
Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. Additional numbers have come to
California through secondary migration.
To ensure effective resettlement of these refugees, the Federal Office of
Refugee Resettlement (ORR) administers two main services programs (in addition
to direct welfare grants and medicaid). These are: the Refugee Employment
Social Services Program (RESS) and the Targeted Assistance Program (TA) . In
addition, ORR allocates a smaller fund to encourage the development of refugee
Mutual Assistance Associations and refugee leadership. This grant is called
MAA Grant (MAA) .
The purpose of RESS and TA Programs is to provide funding to local areas of
high refugee concentration so that programs can be established to help
refugees become economically self-sufficient within the shortest period of
time after their arrival in the U.S.
The RESS was the first program to be established, following the enactment of
the Refugee Act of 1980. The TA program was established later, in 1983, when
congress became concerned about the rising welfare dependency rate among
refugees in certain areas of the country. The "Target" referred to in the
title of the program is welfare dependency. TA funds must be used primarily
to fund employment-related programs whijh will effectively reduce welfare
dependency.
From 1981 to 1988, the State Refugee and Immigration Programs Branch (RIPE)
contracted directly with local providers to deliver services under the RESS
program. The TA programs, on the other -hand, have been administered by the
counties since the program started in 1984. As of July 1, 1988, management
responsibilities for the RESS programs were transferred from the State to the
County as a result of enabling legislation (AB 2635) , and by order of the
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Resolution #1-060, dated 11/10/87).
In 1984, the Board designated the Social Service Department as the agency
responsible for administering refugee services programs in the County. This
responsibility includes planning, implementing and monitoring programs funded
through these three funding sources.
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PLANNING GUIDELINES
State RIPB issued Guidelines for preparation of the Refugee Services County
Plan in July 1991 and issued an announcement of the County's anticipated
RESS/TA/MAA 1993/94 grant amounts on May 3, 1993. These grants total $483,146.
Each grant comes with a set of guidelines limiting the types of programs which
may be supported with the funding. In addition to the Guidelines, State and
Federal welfare policies have a bearing upon which type of programs may be
selected and how each program is administered and operated on a day to day
basis. Refugee Programs must be integrated with the County's "Greater Avenues
for Independence" (GAIN) program. An additional requirement for 1993/94
programs is to guarantee that "Newly Arrived" refugees have full access to
funded programs. "Newly Arrived" refugees are defined as having less than 3
year's residence in the United States.
According to the planning Guidelines, the following are allowable services for
each funding source:
ALLOWABLE SERVICES FOR RESS-1993/94
*Central Intake Unit (CIU)
Vocational Training/Vocational ESL - (VT/VESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
On-the-Job-Training - (OJT)
Employment Services (ES)
Work Experience
Skills Recertification
Supportive Services
ALLOWABLE SERVICES FOR TA-1993/94
*CIU
*ES
VT/VESL
OJT
Business Technical Assistance (BTA)
Extreme and Unusual Needs (EUN) max. of 15% of Grant
Supportive Services (limited to 30% of the grant)
Work Experience
Professional Skills Certification
Remedial Education
Innovative Services (limited to 10% of the grant)
Economic Development
ALLOWABLE SERVICES FOR MAA GRANT 1993/94
*Social Adjustment
Cultural Orientation
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NOTE: Components marked with "*" must be funded, the others are
optional . The CIU which is the entity responsible for the intake,
assessment and tracking of refugee clients may be funded entirely by
RESS, or by TA, or funding of the CIU may be shared by both.
PERIOD OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS
The period of operations for all RESS/TA/MAA programs is October 1, 1993 to
September 30, 1994. For those components which have job placement goals,
there will be an additional 90-day period from October 1, 1994 to December 31,
1994 for follow-up statistincal reporting of job retentions.
COORDINATION OF THE THREE FUNDING SOURCES
The Contra Costa County Social Service Department, in consultation with the
Refugee Advisory Council , has developed a comprehensive services plan for
utilizing these grants which meets the needs of the diverse refugee population
of Contra Costa County. By supplementing existing community resources with
bi-lingual support, the plan makes efficient use of a small funding allocation
to provide services at very reasonable cost for refugees scattered over a
large geographical area. The Plan provides ESL training, counseling for social
adjustment and health problems, employment services for youth and adults,
Health Care Worker Vocational Training and a variety of other vocational
options through the VT/VESL programs.
The plan emphasizes employment and upward mobility strategies for refugees
receiving cash assistance, and fulfills all other Federal ORR and State RIPB
Guidelines.
SECTION 1 COUNTY PLANNING PROCESS
The Social Service Refugee Program Analyst, after consultation with the
Chairperson of the East Bay Refugee Forum, established the Refugee Advisory
Council to develop recommendations to the Social Service Department for
utilization of the 1993/94 RESS, TA and MAA Grants. This Council , numbering
twelve individuals, represent public and private agencies involved with
refugee resettlement, as well as the business community and the two major
refugee groups within the County (Vietnamese, and Laotian) . The Advisory
Council met during April , May and June of 1992 to develop the 1992/93 Plan
and reconvened in June, 1993 to update the plan. (See Attachment A for the
roster of Advisory Council members and calendar of events and agendas of the
Advisory Council .) On May 20, 1992, a Public Hearing was held in Richmond to
obtain community input. Twelve persons testified at the Hearing. (See
Attachment B for a summary of testimony.)
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During the Advisory Council meetings, representatives from business and labor
organizations as well as the manager of the current TA Employment Service and
Vocational Training Projects provided oral presentations and written material
concerning local labor market conditions and employment opportunities.
The Council Consultant from the Social Service Department provided statistics
concerning welfare caseloads and client characteristics; also information
concerning the availability of services to refugees through the Social
Services and Health Departments, and the Department of Education.
The representatives of the two refugee Mutual Assistance Associations (MAAs) ,
Lao Family Community Development Inc. , and the Vietnamese Family Community,
Inc. , provided information concerning the needs of those refugee groups.
The County assures that the County Plan for Refugee Services was developed
through a meaningful consultation process and further assures that all
interested groups were involved and consulted during the planning process.
SECTION 2 LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS
In its study of the local labor market, the Council examined the following
source materials:
1. Annual Planning Information - Contra Costa County June, 1993 (EDD)
2. Census of Contra Costa Population, 1990 preliminary report by
city.
3. Health Care jobs in the 1990's - U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics
report and American Hospital Association Survey.
4. Bay Area Projections, Jobs by Industry, 1987-2000 (EDD.)
S. Contra Costa Projections (Associated Bay Area Governments - ABAG)
December 1989
6. Report of Development Projects, Contra Costa County, Proposed and
Underway, March 1987 (ABAG)
7. List of Job Orders, EDD Office, Richmond for 5/13/92
8. Report from currently funded TA VT/VESL/ES Provider (5/13/92 and
6/23/93)
9. Current excerpts from business journals and newspapers
In addition, the Council 's representatives from, PIC, BOOST and EDD, and the
TA Employment Services project manager gave oral reports to the Council
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concerning labor market issues.
After review of the source materials, the Council noted the following local
labor market highlights:
o Contra Costa County's unemployment rate hovered between 4% and 5%,
(below state and national rates) in 1992 and rose to 1% by June,
1993. Within the County there is a variation by region, West County
rate is about 9% while Central County is about 4%.
o Strong employment growth in the county will mean 41,900 more jobs in
1993 than in 1988.
o Retail trade will also be a major source of employment, although many
of the new jobs, such as those for sales clerks and cashiers, are
likely to be part time.
o Occupations for which experienced applicants are currently in short
supply include legal secretary, licensed vocational nurse, and
registered nurse.
o In line with its relatively fast population growth, the county's
labor force will continue to grow through 1994. Job growth was
slower since 1990 reflecting the national recession. Job growth is
expected to continue uninterrupted through 1994, but at a slower pace
than expected.
o In recent years, several new upscale shopping malls were built in
the Central/East areas of the County. These facilities have created a
continuing demand for workers in restaurant occupations (cooks,
waiter/waitresses) as well as a demand for cashiers and sales clerks
in that region.
o The health care industry is expected to add 3,900 new jobs, as the
county's expanding population ( and aging population) increases the
demand for additional medical facilities and offices. Kaiser
Permanente is proceeding with extensive plans for enlarging its
facilities in Martinez as is John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. A
new hospital was recently built in San Ramon.
-5-
Figure 1 - Is a detailed look at the major industry divisions of Contra
Costa's economy:
Figure 1
Contra Costa County
Job Growth by Industry Division
1988 - 1993
Services //////////////////////////// 20,500
Retail Trade ///////////// 9,500
Construction /////// 2,900
Finance, Insur.& Real Estate ////// 2.400
Government ///// 2,000
Manufacturing //// 1.800
Hholesale Trade /// 1.400
Transportation & Public Utilities /// 1,400
Mining, Insurance & Real Estate 0
----------------------------------------------------------------
Council members from P1C, BOOST, and EDD compared the daily experience of
local agencies with the information contained in the statistical source
material . In general , they felt that the local experience confirms the
official Labor Department analyses. Long-term trends are holding true. The
County economy continues to progress away from manufacturing/agriculture to a
service economy. Agriculture is no longer even listed as a county industry in
Labor Market materials. Of note is the local hiring style which may be
peculiar to this region and which was discussed in prior County Plans: A
two-tier hiring system exists which is ordinarily referred to as the Primary
Labor Market and the Secondary Labor Market. The Primary Labor Market
consists of large, mature companies with highly skilled staff, good benefits,
little turnover, unionized. The Secondary Labor Market consists of small
young companies, not unionized, offering lower wages and few benefits, but
more job opportunities. The Primary companies hire entry level workers out of
the labor pool of the smaller secondary companies, and, in general , select
managers by promotion within the company.
The Council 's task in reviewing labor market information is to identify
promising areas of entry level job opportunities for refugees within the
local labor market. In subsequent sections of this County Plan, it will be
pointed out that the majority of refugees are at a disadvantage because of
their multiple barriers such as: lack of English fluency, lack of
technological skills, and low level of education.
From the analysis of the Labor Market, the Council concluded that TA/RESS
programs should continue to support Employment and Vocational Training
programs. The TA Employment Services Project Manager reported that there are
• still job opportunities at the lower end of the wage scale, ($4.50 to $7.00
per hour) , but, in order to qualify for higher paying jobs, skills training is
essential . She further reported to the Council that the majority of job
placements have been in factory/general labor, janitorial , food service,
landscaping and semiskilled office jobs.
The Council representative from BOOST identified three promising areas of job
growth for refugees in the current labor market. These are: in the health
industry, the hotel industry and in petro/chemical companies. He noted that
there are 16 acute care hospitals and numerous convalescent hospitals in
Contra Costa County operating 24 hours per day. Their staffing needs are
considerable. JTPA is running successful training programs for radiology and
operating room technicians. There are 16 major petro/chemical installations
which need skilled process plant operators and water treatment operators,
offering starting salaries of approximately $2,000/mo.
The travel and tourism industry is predicted to be the number one industry in
the U.S, by the year 2000. By that year, lodging industry labor demands will
increase by 25 to 39 percent. Contra Costa County is in a good position to
take advantage of this trend with 22 major hotels located in or adjacent to
the county.
The Social Service Department consultant told the Council that the Department
is concerned about the need for bi-lingual home health care workers to take
care of the growing population of elderly and disabled refugees who require
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) . As of April , 1992, there were 225 such
refugees receiving IHHS: 108 Laotians, 62 Vietnamese, 29 Afghans, and 27
Russians. Adult Protective Services workers are concerned about the quality
of care these refugees are receiving from their attendants who have no medical
expertise or training. This is also a concern of the refugee community which
is also interested in developing a career ladder for health workers starting
in at the bottom as IHSS or convalescent hospital attendants.
SECTION 3 IDENTIFICATION OF TARGETED POPULATIONS
According to the TA/RESS Guidelines, populations targeted to benefit from
participation in RESS, and TA employment related programs must be recipients
of cash welfare assistance. The Social Adjustment program funded by TA and
MAA is open to all Contra Costa County refugees, regardless of welfare or
financial status, but, 100% of the participants in RESS and the other TA
components must be recipients of cash aid.
Newly Arrived Refugees Targeted
In addition, "Newly Arrived" refugee aid recipients who have less than 36
months U.S. residence will be given priority for services in the 1993/94
programs. According to an April 1993 caseload survey, 23% of the refugee
welfare caseload falls into this category.
Matching Grant (MG) recipient may participate in all programs except
Employment Service (ES) . MG clients are refugees who are financially
supported by the Voluntary Agencies who sponsor them. These voluntary
organizations provide their own "in-house" employment counselling.
SECTION 4 ANALYSIS OF THE REFUGEE POPULATION'S NEEDS
In order to conduct a Needs Analysis of the Refugee Population, the Advisory
Council did the following:
1. Examined Welfare Department caseload statistics reports.
2. Reviewed reports from CIU case files concerning results of ESL
testing of new applicants as well as facts about their educational
background.
3. Heard presentations by the Project managers of the West County
(RESS) ESL project, the CIU and the (TA) VT/VESL/ES Projects.
4. Took note of Public Hearing testimony by speakers, many of whom
were refugees.
5. The two MAA representatives on the Council (Vietnamese and Lao)
made verbal presentations to the Council at large concerning needs
of their respective communities.
6. The representative from International Rescue Committee profiled
the needs of Russian, Eastern European, and Afghan Refugees.
According to the voluntary agencies that provide services in Contra Costa
County, there are approximately 15,000 refugees residing in this County. The
Social Service Department's records indicate that there were 4,650 persons
receiving cash assistance in the County as of April 1993 (see Figure 2). The
council used these statistics for planning purposes as they were the most
up-to-date and, in view of the fact that caseload totals have remained
relatively constant in recent months (new applications roughly approximate
discontinuances) , it is safe to assume that conditions will be similar when
new RESS/TA projects start in October, 1993.
Figure 2 requires some explanation in terms of cash aid categories.
GA refers to General Assistance, a County program for indigents who are not
eligible for State/Federal welfare programs.
RCA refers to Refugee Cash Assistance, a special cash program mainly for
single adults available during the refugee's first 8 months of U.S. residence.
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AFDC refers to aid to Families of Dependent Children. AFDC-FG refers to
Family Group (single parent households) and AFDC-U refers to a two
parent household eligible for AFDC on the basis of unemployment. In
addition to the cash aided refugees, there are approximately 75 Russian
refugees sponsored by Jewish Family Service residing in the County.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
WELFARE CASELOAD STATISTICS AS OF APRIL. 1993
FIGURE 2:
PROGRAM CASES PERSONS % NEWLY ARR.
(LESS THAN 36
MONTHS IN US)
AFDC - FG 607 1,875 20%
AFDC - U 469 2,424 20%
GA 214 262 26%
RCA 75 89 100%
TOTALS 1,365 4,650 23% OVERALL
NOTES: 1991 CASELOAD WAS 1,236 CASES AND 4,315 PERSONS
1992 CASELOAD WAS 1,406 CASES AND 4,715 PERSONS (14%
INCREASE)
1993 CASELOAD IS 1,365 CASES AND 4,650 PERSONS (3%
DECREASE)
REFUGEE ADULTS ON CASH ASSISTANCE
April . 1993
Figure 3
RCA 89
Subtotal RCA & GAE = 264
Adults
AFDC 1,508 (GAIN)
GA EMPL 175
TOTAL ADULTS
All Programs 1,772
In Figure 3, the number of adults in each case category has been broken out.
This is for the purpose of identifying the potential numbers of participants
in the RESS/TA components. RCA and GA adults are further subtotaled as they,
at the present time, are mandated to participate in funded refugee service
programs. When those two categories are added together, we come up with a
total of 266 adults who may access RESS/TA programs. The GAIN program will
refer some of the 1555 AFDC adults to the RESS/TA programs.
Figure 4 describes the refugee client population by nationality.
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Figure 4
REFUGEE CLIENT POPULATION
April 1992
West Central East Case % of Total
Nationality County County County Total* Caseload
Laotian 643 1 40 684 51%
Vietnamese 248 106 98 452 34%
Afghan 16 94 11 121 9%
Iranian 2 1 6 9
Polish 1 1 1 3
Russian 2 28 1 31 2%
Cambodian 4 4 10 18 1%
Romanian 0 15 0 15 1%
Bulgarian 1 2 0 3
Pakistan 0 1 0 1
Cuban 1 1
Chinese 1 1
Indian 1 1
Korean 1 1
Congo 1 1
TOTALS 919 254 169 1 1,342
Percentages 68% 191w._F--713% I 100%
* The case totals include all cash cases (AFDC, RCA & GA) .
Persons totals would approximately triple these figures.
** The Lao population is composed of several ethnic subgroups.
42% Mien 43% Lowland Lao and 14% Khmu, .and 1% Hmong.
We note from this table that the refugee client population
consists of 15 nationalities, with the largest single group 51%
being from Laos. Vietnamese are the second largest group 34%,
Afghans 9%, Russians and all others, 6%. The table also shows
how these groups are clustered in the various areas of the
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County. Of note is a growing population of Russians in Central
County. So far, the numbers are small, but according to Jewish
Family Services Agency, they intend to resettle more Russian Jews
in Contra Costa County. Catholic Charities expects to continue
to resettle more Lao/ Mien and Vietnamese refugees in the West 40
region.
To add to our profile of the County's refugee client population,
we have data from the refugee Central Intake Unit (CIU) . In the
process of assessing refugees, developing their employment plans
and making referrals to the various service providers, CIU admi-
nisters the Basic English Skills Test (BEST) to all persons
entering the CIU system. This is a test of English comprehension
and is scored according to Student Performance Levels (SPLs) on a
scale from 0 to 6.
An SPL-0 = No English ability, SPL-6 = fluent enough to "satisfy
routine work and social demands. " (SPL-4 is considered minimum
for entry into vocational training. Below that, ESL training is
indicated. )
From 7/1/91 to 3/31/92, CIU tested 94 new intakes. Figure 5
shows how these persons scored, cross-referenced with their
educational background, their area of residence, and their
country of origin.
Figure 5 SPL LEVEL, EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND. AREA OF RESIDENCE
AND COUNTRY/AREA OF ORIGIN OF 94 PERSONS SEEN BY THE CIU
FOR INTAKE BETWEEN JULY 1, 1991 AND MARCH 31, 1992 .
Noce 3 1 6 6 2 1 722
9
1-6 yrs 7 1 1 7 3 3
= 8-11 yrs 2 1 0 4 3 1 S 1 15
C
Egh School S 2 13 8 S. 2 35
m College 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
College Grad 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
E East 4 2 9 7 5 2 29
0
= Central S 1 7 , 6 3 0 22
d
Wtst 8 2 9 12 7 S 43
Laos 2 2 7 9 4 S 29
$ g Yemm 13 2 14 12 11 2 54
ZZ
r.o Farb Spears 2 0 1 1 0 0 4
Otter 0 1 3 3 0 0 7
TOTAL 17 S 25 25 15 7 94
-12-
Numbers and Percentages of refugees in each SPL level:
SPL Level 0 17 18%
SPL Level 1 5 5%
SPL Level 2 25 27%
SPL Level 3 25 27%
SPL Level 4 15 16%
SPL Level 5 7 7%
Prior educational levels:
No school 19 20%
1-6 years 22 23%
7-11 years 15 16%
HS graduate 35 37%
Some college 2 2%
College grad 1 1%
Fifty percent (50%) of these refugees scored less than SPL level
3 and 41% have 6 years or less of prior education and may be
presumed to be preliterate. This is a change from 1991 when
thirty one percent (31%) + of the refugees scored less than SPL
level 3 at entry into the program. The educational levels of
refugees entering in 1992 year as compared to the previous year
are about the same, except that about 13% fewer are college
educated.
The West County ESL provider testified that approximately 90% of
the students in West County ESL are Lao Mien people from rural
backgrounds. The other group scoring in the pre-literate range
are female Afghans residing in Central County.
Several speakers at the Public Hearing identified the need for
funding ESL, particularly bi-lingual ESL. Many speakers,
including the director of the funded ESL programs testified as to
the value of bilingual education for the preliterate group.
The Project Manager of the TA - VT/VESL/ES projects reported to
the Council that' refugee enrollees fall into two general
categories: (1) 'Formerly fishermen/farmers with low skills,- low
English; they need skill building and confidence raising; and (2)
Highly educated, former professionals who may or may not be
fluent in English, but who have unrealistic job expectations.
This includes the Russians and Eastern Europeans who have never
-13-
experienced job competition in their native countries. They need
orientation to local hiring customs and training in job search.
The Project Manager recommended that in view of the diversity in
the refugee population, their varying levels of prior education,
skills and English ability, that VT programs offer to refugees a
wide variety of vocational choices.
The Vietnamese representative noted that there has been an influx
of refugees who were former prisoners of war in Vietnam. These
refugees, mostly older men, have severe physical and emotional
problems resulting from enduring many years of imprisonment in
re-education camps. The arrival of Amerasian children and their
families account for the rest of the increase in the Vietnamese
caseload.
The Lao Community is becoming increasingly concerned about youth
crimes, intergenerational conflict and attacks against Asians in
low-income neighborhoods.
Because of these problems and others described in detail in
former County Plans, the MAA representatives on the Council urged
continuation of the TA/MAA Social Adjustment program and funding
of a special employment program for high risk youth.
CONCLUSIONS OF THE COUNCIL BASED ON THIS NEEDS ANALYSIS:
As a result of this analysis of the targeted group, the Council
came to the following conclusions:
o There was a 14% increase in the refugee caseload from
1991-1992 and from 1992 - 1993 there was a 3% caseload
decrease. Between 1991 and 1992, the GA caseload more
than doubled.
o It is expected that Lao/Mien and Vietnamese POW's will
form the majority of new refugees arriving in the County
during the coming year although some Afghans and Russians
are expected to arrive.
o Due to the high proportion of pre-literate refugees,
(50%) , ESL should be targeted toward this group and
classes should be located in West County where 68% of the
refugees live.
o Due to the diversity of the refugee population in terms of
ESL levels, prior education, and skills, VT should offer a
wide variety of vocational options in locations throughout
the County. Health Care Worker Training and the
Youth Employment Program components should be funded.
-14-
o The major barriers to self-sufficiency faced by Contra
Costa County refugees are, in general, low level of
English ability, lack of prior education, lack of
transferable skills and lack of knowledge in job search
techniques.
SECTION-5 REVIEW OF EXISTING CONNUNITY RESOURCES
Refugees who are initially resettled in Contra Costa receive
services for the first 90 days of residency from the Voluntary
Agencies (VOLAGS) who sponsor them. These services consist of:
Reception, finding housing, getting them settled, giving them
orientation to the community, getting them to health facilities,
and job placement if possible.
Beyond the initial services provided by the VOLAGS, the
federally-funded refugee services become available. Refugee
Employment Social Services Program (RESS) Providers and funding
levels for October 1, 1992, through September 30, 1993 are
explained in Figure 6:
RESS CURRENT PROGRAMS
Figure 6
Funding Level
Agency Service to be Served
English Action Center English-as-a 130,479 228
Second Language
County Superintendent of Central Intake $75,437 280
Schools (Regional Unit
Occupational Program)
Lao /Vietnamese Family Youth Empl. 50
Program $37,316
-15-
Targeted Assistance Service Providers (TA 1992/93) and funding
levels for October 1, 1992, to September 30, 1993 are as follows:
TA 1992/93 CURRENT PROGRAMS
Figure 7
Agency Service Funding Number
Level Served
County Superintendent ES $110,094 189
of Schools (Regional) *VT/VESL 0 20
Occupational Program)
County Sup. of Schools Health Care $76,761 30
Regional Occup. Progr. Worker Training
Regional
Occupational Program Supportive $48,000 225
Services
Lao/Vietnamese Social $37 , 351 190
Family Community, Inc. Adjustment
These RESS and TA 192 projects will terminate 9/30/93 and will be
extended by RESS/TA 1993/94 funding, the subject of this County
Plan Update. There are two United Way projects serving refugees
out of the two MAA offices in Richmond and also two Health
Department projects operating out of County clinics. Other
currently funded programs (all terminating 9/30/93) are:
Funding Funding Number
Source Agency Service Level Served
MAA Grant- Lao/Vietnamese Social Adjustment $17,348 88
Title XX Lao Family Information & $15,814 --
Community,Inc. Referral (West
County area)
Title XX Center for New Information & $15,814 ---
Americans Referral (Central
/East County)
*The TA VT/VESL Program terminated as a funded component on
12/31/89. It is continuing as an unfunded program through a
Memorandum of Understanding with the County Superintendent of
-16-
Schools.
• In addition to refugee-specific services, a refugee may also be
eligible to receive other community based services as a member of
a target population.
Figure 8 describes these community based services.
-17-
Figure 8
TITLE TARGET POPULATION SERVICES INCLUDE:
GAIN (Greater Federal AFDC-U and Appraisal, job
Avenues for AFDC-FG Recipients search workshops,
Independence) CWD child care,
training-related
expenses, job
development and job
placement.
Title XX-type Title XX Eligibles Protective Services
Social Services- to Children/Adults,
(County) Social In-Home Supportive
Service Department Services, and
Information and
Referral.
JTPA (Job Training JTPA Eligibles Vocation training,
Partnership Act) job search
assistance, job
development and job
placement, On-the-
Job training.
Community College Residents of the Academic and
Programs Community College vocational skills
District instruction, job
placement and ESL.
Adult Schools High School Academic,
Graduates, those 18 vocational skills
years of age, or instruction and
those who possess a ESL.
California High
School Proficiency
Certificate
ROP (Regional 16 years of age and Vocational skills
Occupation Program) County Resident training.
ES (Employment Nonfederal AFDC-U Registration,
Services) - EDD and AFDC-FG employment
Recipients counseling and job
placement
-18-
In order to evaluate the need for special funding for ESL, the
Council conducted a survey of mainstream ESL resources. It was
determined that there are abundant opportunities for ESL
instruction throughout the County, including preliterate classes,
and that many refugees are availing themselves of these
opportunities. Berkeley Adult School has many refugee students
from Contra Costa County. Additional numbers attend Pittsburg
Adult School and Mt. Diablo Adult School. Some refugees are
enrolled in Community Colleges. Contra Costa College has five
levels of ESL instruction (including preliterate) . While there
are abundant ESL resources in mainstream institutions, there are
none which offer bilingual education. The Community Colleges do
not have open entry/exit enrollment, but rather, admit students
only at the beginning of the semester. The Community College
system officials are considering charging students non resident
fees for the first three years of residence which will limit
college entry further for newly arrived refugees.
CONCLUSIONS OF THE COUNCIL AFTER REVIEWING COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
There is a need to provide a bi-lingual ESL program in West
County where the majority of pre-literate refugees reside.
Because of minimal funds available to allocate to this program,
the funds will continue to be utilized to supplement Adult School
ESL programs rather than support a free standing program. The
program funds make it possible to provide bi-lingual assistance
in these classrooms while utilizing the services of credentialed
adult school teachers.
Existing community resources do not meet the social adjustment
needs of refugees considering their problems described in Section
4 . It was .therefore the Council's decision to allocate the
maximum of 15% of the TA 1992 and 1993 grants for Social
Adjustment services. These funds will be supplemented by the MAA
grant in order to assure that Afghan refugees in Central County
are served.
Vocational Training (VT/VESL) in a variety of occupational
programs are available at no cost through an MOU with the
Regional Occupation Program (ROP) division of the County School
Department.
Hotel Worker training and Petro Chemical Plant Maintenance Worker
training are also available through ROP and, several refugees are
enrolled in those programs.
Since there were no existing community resources for short term
Health Care Worker vocational training, nor was there a resource
for a bi-lingual Youth Employment Program, the Council
recommended funding these components in 1992 and in 1993
recommended continuation of these programs. .
-19-
Section 6
SUPPLEMENTAL REFUGEE SERVICES COMPONENT
State legislation (AB 3254) enacted in 1991 along with the
enactment of MPP 42-1000 regulations permits counties which
receive RESS/TA funding to implement a Supplemental Refugee
Services (SRS) component. Contra Costa County took advantage of
this legislation and implemented its SRS component in July, 1991.
Because of its successful experience with this program during the
first year of operations, the County will continue the SRS
component during FY 1992 and 1993.
The SRS component permits counties to serve refugee AFDC/GAIN
recipients who are excluded from the regular GAIN target groups
and who are therefore in danger of falling into long term
dependency through lack of access to services. The intent of AB-
3254 is to encourage newly arrived refugees to become
economically self-sufficient as soon as possible after their
arrival in the United States. The SRS component permits these
refugees to be placed earlier into training programs which may
lead to employment rather than being assigned to long term
educational programs as prescribed by the normal GAIN flow.
Contra Costa is one of those counties which had to curtail intake
of new GAIN participants and narrow its target group in order to
cope with funding reductions. This curtailment of GAIN services
reduced the number of refugees served in TA/RESS funded programs
because GAIN serves clients first who have been on aid the
longest.
By utilizing federal Targeted Assistance (TA) and Refugee
Employment Social Services (RESS) funds to pay for the added
costs of serving newly arrived refugees, effective July, 1991,
Contra Costa County was able to reopen GAIN intake again through
the SRS component.
REFERRAL OF OTHER CASH RECIPIENTS TO TA/RESS COMPONENTS
In addition to the SRS component which serves AFDC/GAIN clients,
the County serves Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) , General
Assistance (GA) and Matching Grant (MG) clients in a separate
system utilizing 50% of the available funds.
In Contra Costa County, RCA and GA recipients are not served by
the GAIN Program. Rather, referrals of RCA mandatory adults are
made by the Eligibility Worker directly to the CIU on state
approved forms. GA recipients are referred by their Vocational
Counselors to the CIU on County approved forms. Matching Grant
(MG) recipients (mostly Russian refugees sponsored by Jewish
Family Services) are eligible to participate in all TA/RESS
-20-
components with the exception of Employment Services (ES) .
MG clients may be issued Supportive Services payments when they
participate in VT/VESL or ESL. They may be referred to the CIU
directly by the voluntary agencies who sponsor them.
REFUGEE GROUPS TO BE SERVED IN THE SRS COMPONENT:
The population to be served will be GAIN mandatory AFDC refugees
who have 36 months or less residence in the United States who
would otherwise not receive GAIN services due to funding
reductions.
AFDC/FG/U applicants/recipients within this group will be
referred to services in this order of priority:
1. Primary Wage Earner (PWE) in an AFDC-U family
2. Spouse of PWE in an AFDC-U family
3. Single parent with school age children under age 16
Note: Persons in Priority Group 2 above will be secondary wage
earners who volunteer to participate in the SRS component.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE REFUGEE GROUPS TO BE SERVED:
Refugees who apply for AFDC and who have 36 months or less of
U.S. residence will be referred to SRS on a flow basis.
When referring participants to the SRS component, GAIN staff will
inform participants of their rights and responsibilities
regarding the mandatory participation requirements of this
component and the consequences of any failure to participate.
Also, the GAIN Case Manager will explain the regulations
governing exemption from participation in services, cause
determination, conciliation, sanctions and fair hearings that are
applicable to refugees participating in the SRS Component.
REFERRAL PROCESS
GAIN staff will refer appropriate individuals within the
identified group to the Central Intake Unit (CIU) by completing a
referral form and making an intake appointment for the client at
the local CIU office.
The CIU will complete the required intake form and will
administer the BEST Test to determine the refugee's level of
English speaking and writing ability. The CIU worker will report
the test results to the client's assigned GAIN Case Manager (CM)
who will then complete an initial employability assessment on
that individual.
-21-
EMPLOYABILITY PLAN - CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
Based upon the assessment findings and in consultation with the
CIU and the refugee, the GAIN CM will develop an employability
plan which includes the following:
- An employment goal for the refugee;
- A description of the services needed and to be provided
including child care and other supportive services;
- A description of the training activity to be undertaken by the
refugee to achieve the employment goal;
In developing this employability plan, the GAIN CM will take into
consideration:
- Available program resources;
- The refugee's skills level and aptitudes;
- Local employment opportunities; and
- The refugee's preferences, to the maximum extent possible.
Based upon the client's Employability Plan, the GAIN CM will
determine, jn consultation with the client and the CIU, which of
the SRS components is appropriate to meet his/her training needs.
The GAIN Case Manager is ultimately responsible for the refugee's
GAIN component assignment.
The CIU will refer selected clients to the following TA/RESS
programs:
West County ESL Program
Vocational Training/Vocational ESL (ROP)
Employment Services
Youth Employment Services
Health Care Worker Training
For clients being referred to the funded ESL program, the CIU
must document in the CIU file their need for ESL training prior
to entering specific training relating to their ultimate job
objective.
For clients being referred to TA funded Employment Services (ES)
Youth ES, Health Care Worker training or Vocational
Training/Vocational ESL (VT/VESL) components, the CIU must
document in the CIU file the client has a specific employment
objective which is achievable within one year.
-22-
AGENCY/PARTICIPANT AGREEMENTS:
Clients who are being referred to a TA/RESS component will be
required to sign an agency-participant agreement. Such
agreements must also be signed by the provider agency and will
indicate the following:
- The purpose of the agreement
- The provider's participation standards
- The participant's obligations
- The length of participation in the service/activity, including
the number of hours of participation per week
- The educational, training and/or employment activities in which
the refugee will participate; and
- The Supportive Services (including child care) , if any, which
need to be provided.
OTHER EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING (ET) SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Clients for whom TA/RESS programs are not appropriate
(i.e. ,refugees highly acculturated and proficient in English) may
be referred to other community resources which are available.
These services include:
- High School education or education services designed to prepare
a person to qualify for a high school equivalency certificate;
NOTE: REFUGEE CUSTODIAL PARENTS UNDER AGE 20 WHO HAVE NOT
COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL MUST BE REFERRED TO EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
DIRECTED TOWARD THE ATTAINMENT OF A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR HIGH
SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY CERTIFICATE.
On - the - Job Training
Work Experience
Other mainstream components listed in the GAIN County Plan.
ONGOING CASE MANAGEMENT AND TRACKING
The CIU will submit monthly attendance reports and quarterly
progress reports to the GAIN Case Manager for all GAIN refugee
clients participating in TA/RESS components. The CIU will track
the attendance of all students in the TA/RESS funded components.
GAIN staff will track students in Adult School ESL and other
mainstream components. Should the participant drop out of the
assigned TA/RESS activity or refuse to cooperate, the CIU will
-23-
notify the GAIN Case Manager immediately.
In order to remain in active status in an SRS component, the Is
participant must be making satisfactory progress as defined in
the GAIN regulations.
CONCILIATION
AFDC/GAIN clients who fail or refuse to cooperate with their SRS
program assignment will be reported to their GAIN CM's who will
perform conciliation services as per GAIN procedures. The GAIN
CM will report back to the CIU, the results of the conciliation.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (ES)
Contra Costa County will continue to operate a two-tiered ES
program to maximize the effectiveness of this component for use
by both the AFDC/GAIN clients in SRS and RCA clients. RCA
recipients are mandated to start an 8-week job search program by
their 6th month of U.S. residence. The TA funded ES program
design provides an 8-week job search program for RCA clients as
well as a three week job search workshop/job club for AFDC/GAIN
clients. The ES provider must adapt the GAIN job training
curriculum to ensure that upon completion of the program the
refugee is familiar with general workplace expectations and work
behavior/attitudes necessary to compete successfully in the labor
market.
Fifty percent (50%) of the participants in the ES component will
be AFDC/GAIN clients attending the 3 week job search workshop/job
club, and fifty percent (50%) of ES participants will be other
aid recipients.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
The CIU will issue supportive service payments for transportation
expenses, ancillary expenses, and child care costs for all
participants out of the TA Supportive Services allocation.
Supportive Services include the following:
- Child Care - Paid child care services will be provided to every
eligible participant who has a child under 13 years of age and
who needs such services in order to participate in
employment/training services.
- Transportation - Eligible participants shall receive payments
to cover the transportation costs attributable to the
participant's travel to and from the training assignment. For a
maximum of 30 days after job entry or until the clients receives
his/her first paycheck, which ever comes first, transportation
-24-
costs for travel to and from unsubsidized employment will also be
covered.
An Expenses - These expenses, which includes the cost of
books, tools, clothing, fees, and other necessary costs of a
training assignment or employment, may be paid for eligible
participants.
- Personal Counseling - Refugee clients who need personal
counseling or who need help in arranging child care or home
management in order to participate in training/employment
activities may be referred to the TA funded Social Adjustment
program for bi-lingual/bi-cultural counseling or to mainstream
resources, if appropriate.
GAIN child care rates will apply for all AFDC, RCA, and MG
participants.
WAITING LISTS
If there is a waiting list for a TA/KESS slot to which a client
is being referred, the client may be referred to an alternate
component until the first choice slot is available.
REQUIRED ASSURANCES
That all SRS Component services will be delivered in accordance
with the provisions of AB-2635, AB-277, AB-3254 and the SDSS
regulations governing the delivery of TA/RESS funded services.
The County assures that there will be no duplication of Case
Management related activities between GAIN and the CIU.
STATISTICAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the JOBS Program reporting requirements,
the County will report all required data to meet Federal and
State statistical mandates for refugee funded programs.
-25-
SECTION 7
SUPPLEMENTAL REFUGEE SERVICES COMPONENT FLOW CHART
i r
Newly
Arrived Orientation GAIN Deferred
AFDC CIU Assistance Appraisal ?
Refugees
N
Appropriate
No for TA/RESS
Yes EET
Job
YEP lob
1
Refer to CIU ESL
Mainstream BEST Test/Retest
Community Pays Sup. Serv.
Resources
Confer with GAIN CM VT/NEDL -
Select
TA/RESS
Program
CIU Tracks ES
Sts in ES-VT/VESL
HWVT and YEP Job
SA
Y
GAIN Case Manager
Tracks Sts in Adult
School ESL
Community Resources
Reassesses
Conciliates
-26-
SECTION 8 PROPOSED SERVICES COMPONENT/ALLOCATION/OUTCOMES
developing the 1992 County Plan and the 1993 Updated County Plan, the 12
member Refugee Advisory Council met five times and held one Public Hearing.
During those meetings, the Advisory Council thoroughly explored the local
labor market, identified and analyzed the needs of the targeted population,
then looked at existing resources within the community which could meet
those needs. Gaps were noted and refugee funding .will be utilized to close
those gaps. Because of the County's limited funding allocation, it was
therefore necessary to carefully coordinate the three funding sources in
order to achieve maximum benefits at minimum cost.
The result is a comprehensive plan which is specifically suited to the
needs of the refugees of Contra Costa County and it meets ORR/RIPS Intent
of facilitating integration of refugee programs and GAIN and of promoting
refugee self-sufficiency.
The following are the funding recommendations of the advisory council which
were approved by the Director of the Social Service Department:
A. Refugee Employment Social Services (RESS) 1993/94:
Total Anticipated Allocation $220,599
County Administration Costs (15%) -33,090
Dotal Available for Direct Services $187,509
RESS-1993 Components: (10/1/93 - 9/30/94)
1. Central Intake Unit $ 59, 322
2 . English-as-a-Second-Language (West) 90,386
3 . Youth Employment Program 37,801
B. Targeted Assistance (TA) 1993/94
Total Anticipated Allocation $246,537
County Administration Costs (15%) -38,927
Total Available for Direct Services $207, 610
-27-
TA 1993 Components: (10/1/93 - 9/30/94)
1. Employment Services (ES) $110, 194
2. Social Adjustment (15%) 38,927
3. Supportive Services 26,000
4. VT/VESL - (Available by MOU but not funded) 0
5. *Health Care Worker Training (6 months) 32,486
C. Mutual Assistance Association Grant (MAAG) (10/1/93 -
9/30/94)
Total Anticipated County Allocation $16,010
County Administration Costs (0%) -0
Total Available for Direct Services 16, 010
Components: (10/1/93- 9/30/94)
1. Social Adjustment 16, 010
* Note: Health Care Worker Training is not being funded at this time
for a full 12 months because of performance problems in the
1992 program. The HCWT Program is being funded on a 6 month
trial basis under a "Corrective Action Plan" approved by
RIPB.
-28-
EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL SERVICES (RESS) GOALS/OUTCOMES
FOR PROGRAM OPERATIONS 10/1/93 - 9/30/94
Anticipated Allocation $220,599
Less County Admin (15%) -33 .090
Total for direct services $187,509
Componet 6 mos.. 12 mos. Allocation Cost
per
Case
CIU Serve 190 381 $59,322 $156
ESL West Serve 74 148 $90,386 $610
Complete 22 45
—11
Youth 6 mos. 12 mos. Follow-up $37,801 Cost
Employment 3/31/94 9/30/94 12-31-94 per job
Program entry
$1,145
Serve 25 50 50
FT Job 7 17 17
PT Job 6 16 16
90-day 3 21 30
ret.
Note: Twenty three percent (23%) of the RESS funds or, $43, 127,
will serve "Newly arrived" refugees and 77% of the funds, or
$144, 382 , will serve those who have been in the U.S. more than 3
years.
-29-
TARGETED ASSISTANCE 1993/1994 PROJECTS
Goals and Outcomes - 10/1/93 - 9/30/94
Total Anticipated $259,513
Less State Administration (15%) -12,976
Less County Administration (15%) -38.927
Total Available for Projects $2070610
Nl!WR TO SUCCESS 12/31/9
PROJECTS BE SERVED CRITERIA 6 MOS. 12 MOS. END OF ALLOCATION
PROJECT
FOLLOW-
UP
PROJECT
ES 168 Enroll ES 132
168 168 $110,197
Placed Ft Job 66 .66
Plated PT Job Employed 90 days 75 100
Average Cost per Job entry - $1,000.
Average Cost per 90 Day Placement - $1,102
VT/VESL *20 Enrolled VT/VESL 10 20 20 0
SA 198 Enroll 99 198 198 $38,927
Complete 50 198 198
Average Cost per Case - S196,00
SUPPORT 130 Serve 65 130 130 $26,000
SERVICES
Health 15 Serve 15 15 15 $32,686.
Worker Complete 12 12 12 funded for
Training Place FT 5 5 5 6 months -
Place PT 5 5 5
Emp. 90 days 3 6 9
Average Cost per job entry 53,269
Average Cost per - 90 day retention 55,616
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT
PROJECTS NUMBER TO SUCCESS END OF
BE SERVED CRITERIA 6 MOS. 12 MOS. PROJECT ALLOCATION
SA 82 Enroll 41 82 132 $16,010
Complete 20 82 82
Average Coat Per Case - $197.00
*VT is no ac ua y un e . It sincludedn this isp ay cause
it is an approved activity for refugees under this County Plan and,
according to an MOU with the Superintendent of schools, a minimum of 20
persons will be served during the project year.
Note: Twenty three percent (23%) of the Targeted assistance funds
or ($47,750) will serve "Newly arrived" refugees and 778 of the funds or
$159,860 will serve those who have been in the U.S. more than 3 years.
-30-
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SECTION 9 RESS PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
All RESS Program operations covered by this County Plan Update are from
October 1, 1993, to September 30, 1994.
CENTRAL INTAKE UNIT (CIU)
1. Definition:
The Central Intake Unit (CIU) is responsible for accepting referrals
from the County Welfare Department (CWD) . The: CIU administers the
BEST (basic English Skills Test) and assesses the refugee taking
into consideration his/her prior education, training, and job
experience, identifies barriers to self-sufficiency, establishes an
employment plan, and refers the refugee to an appropriate services
component which will assist that refugee to become self-sufficient
through unsubsidized employment in the shortest period of time. The
CIU monitors the refugee's progress through the various components,
gathers information in the event that the refugee fails to cooperate
with the service provider, and relays that information to the
appropriate person: the GAIN Case Manager (for AFDC) , the CWD
Eligibility Worker (for RCA) the Vocational Counselor (for GA
recipients)
For a description of how CIU interfaces with the GAIN Program,
sharing responsibilities with GAIN Case Managers,
see Section 6 of this County Plan, page 20.
For an explanation of the referral/sanctioning duties of the CIU
when mandatory RCA recipients fail to cooperage, See Attachment D.
See Attachment C for a detailed description of: CIU responsibilities.
The CIU also administers the Supportive Services program which
provides funds to cover costs of training and work expenses for
refugees participating in RESS and TA Programs (TA provides the
funds for the Supportive Services. ) For a description of the
Supportive Services component, refer to Section 9 (TA Program
Descriptions) , page 41.
2 . ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND-LANGUAGE (ESL)
Definition:
Because of the county's small allocation for RESS programs, the
English-as-a-Second-Language program will be offered in West County
only because that is the region where the greatest need for
specialized ESL services exists.
The program is designed to supplement an Adult School ESL program.
RESS funds will enhance the Adult School program in the following
ways:
1. Bi-lingual teaching assistants will be available to assist
students in the pre-literate and beginning ESL classes.
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2. The ESL instructional program will be adapted to meet the special
needs of foreign born adults who have experienced the trauma and
dislocation associated with fleeing their native countries and
entering the United States as refugees.
3 . The ESL curriculum will be correlated with the Mainstream English
Language Training (MELT) core curriculum developed by the Federal
ORR which is taught to refugees in overseas camps prior to their
arrival in the U.S.
4. The 1993/94 ESL Program will be redesigned to provide a greater
job related focus. ESL students will be encouraged to
participate in vocational training and job search activities
concurrently with their language training in order to speed their
entry into the job market.
5. ESL program staff will monitor attendance and keep files on
RCA/MG/GA students participating in the program.
For a full description of ESL program requirements, please refer to
Attachment E.
a. Enrollment Priority
Priority for enrollment in this component is the "Newly Arrived"
refugee who is preliterate or has low English skills and for whom
bilingual education is appropriate.
b. Compliance with Referral/Sanction System:
The ESL service provider must comply with the RCA Mandatory
Work Registration /Sanction System reporting requirements as
outlined in Attachment D.
C. Program Goals:
33% of persons enrolled in ESL will complete. A completion
(Credit towards goals) occurs when the refugee participant:
1. Enters ESL at SPL 0-2 and achieves SPL 3 on the BEST Test; or
2 . Enters at SPL 3-5 and achieves an SPL score of 6 on the BEST
Test; or
3 . Accepts a job; or
4. Transfers to ES or a vocational training component.
5. Expected Results at the end of 6 months (3/31/94) :
West County ESL - Enroll, 74 Complete 22
6. Expected Results at the end of 12 months: (9/30/94)
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West County ESL - Enroll, 148 Complete 45
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
The Youth Employment Program is being funded by RESS 1993/94 in response to
a concern on the part of the refugee community concerning the growing
number of South East Asian youth who are dropping out of school, resisting
parental control, joining gangs, and/or are developing a life style in
which their means of subsistence is through criminal activity or through
long term welfare dependency. The Youth Employment Program will provide an
alternate path to these "At Risk" youths and young adults by providing them
with bi-lingual, culturally sensitive counseling and career direction which
will result in job placements.
DEFINITION:
The Youth Employment Program will serve refugee youths age 16 to 27 who are
receiving or are applying for cash welfare assistance and are:
1. At risk of dropping out of school; or are
2 . Under supervision of the Contra Costa County Probation Department; or
are
3. Young adults who have not completed high school and need career
guidance and a means of supporting themselves
Services will include:
1. Bi-lingual career/job counseling in at least one South East Asian
language, preferably Laotian
2. Instruction in pre-employment/work maturity skills either
individually, in small groups, or in a classroom setting
Pre-Employment Skills consist of:
a) Making career decisions
b) Using Labor Market Information
C) Preparing a resume
d) Filling out applications
e) Interviewing effectively
Work Maturity Skills _ consist of:
a) Maintaining regular attendance
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b) Being consistently punctual
C) Presenting an appropriate appearance
d) Demonstrating positive attitudes/behavior
e) Exhibiting good interpersonal relations
f) Completing tasks effectively
3. Job Development and placement in unsubsidized full time or part-time
jobs
4. Follow up contacts with employers and clients to resolve performance
issues and verify 90 day job retentions.
LOCATION OF PROGRAM
The program will be located in the area of greatest need, the West County
area, at a site which is accessible by public transportation, preferably
within walking distance of the Richmond High School or co-located with
Richmond High School.
LINKAGE WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS
The CIU will provide intake, assessment and referral of all participants
6ill
the Youth Employment Program. Youth Employment Program Staff will
ordinate with the other TA/RESS funded vocational training programs and interrelate with school staff, law enforcement, probation, PIC and
other community groups to supplement rather than duplicate their efforts in
serving this same population.
PRIORITY ENROLLMENT
"Newly Arrived" refugees have priority for enrollment in the Youth
Employment Program.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE RCA REFERRAL/SANCTION SYSTEM
The Youth Employment Program provider must comply with the RCA Mandatory
Work Registration/Sanction System reporting requirements as outlined in
Attachment D.
CASE FILE RECORDING AND REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES
A case file will be maintained on each program participant. Case
documentation will include verification of the participant's INS status as
a refugee, asylee, or Amerasian, an intake summary, a service plan, a
narrative account of services provided, and a closing summary.
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A program log will be maintained containing demographic information on each
participant including job entry/job retention information. Is
The provider will complete and submit monthly reports as required.
PROGRAM GOALS:
The Youth Employment Program has general goals and specific goals. General
goals include discouraging youth from dropping out of school, reducing gang
involvement, and providing alternatives to a life of crime or welfare
dependency.
Specific Goals are as follows: Fifty (50) youths will be served during the
12 months of program operations. Sixty five percent (65%) of these served
will be placed in unsubsidized employment and sixty percent (60%) of those
served will retain their jobs for at least 90 days. Because many of the
participants will be attending school, part time jobs; may account for 50%
of the job placement goals.
EXPECTED RESULTS AT THE END OF 6 MONTHS - (3/31/94) :
Enrollments: 25
Job Entries - Full Time: 7, Part time: 6
90 - Day Job Retentions: 3
EXPECTED RESULTS AT THE END OF 12 MONTHS - (9/30/94) :
Enrollments: 50
Job Entries - Full Time: 17, Part time: 16
90 - Day Job Retentions: 21
EXPECTED RESULTS AT END OF PROGRAM FOLLOWUP: - (12/31/94)
Enrollments: 50
Job Entries - Full Time: 17, Part time: 16
90 - Day Job Retentions: 30
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TARGETED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS DESCRIPTIONS
The Targeted Assistance 1993/94 programs will start October 1, 1993 and
will end September 30, 1994 except for Health Care Worker Training which
will start October 1, 1993 and end March 31, 1994. Both the ES and HCWT
components have a 90/day follow-up period for tracking job retentions.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES/VOCATIONAL TRAINING/VOCATIONAL ESL (ES/VT/VESL)
A. DEFINITION
This is a composite program consisting of two parts. Clients will be
assigned to one or the other sub-component according to their needs as
determined by the CIU or GAIN assessment.
Employment Services are activities performed by Service Provider staff
directed toward job placement for refugees. They include: conducting job
search workshops/job clubs, job development, placement, supervised job
search, and post job tracking and follow up.
Vocational Training/Vocational ESL consists of participation in a course of
short-term, practical job training while concurrently receiving ESL
instruction specific to that course of training.
The objectives of this program are to provide a variety of services to
unemployed or underemployed refugees in order to help them achieve
self-sufficiency and independence from the Welfare System in the shortest
Oeriod of time possible. Independence from welfare may involve job
pgrading and/or the employment of additional wage-earners in the
household. The project will build vocational skills through the VT/VESL/
components and will provide job search orientation and placement services
in the ES component. Particular emphasis will be given to those "hard to
serve" individuals who have low level English skills, come from rural
backgrounds or from non- competitive job markets and who need skills
training to enter Contra Costa's service economy.
B. PROGRAM CONTENT
1. Employment Services
Staff in the ES component must have bilingual capability in the
Laotian and Vietnamese languages.
The Contractor must provide bilingual assistance on call for the
other refugee languages. Service provider must serve clients out
of sites in the three areas of the County (Central, East and
West) which are convenient to public transportation. The
contractor will provide two different types of job search
workshops/job clubs as required by welfare regulations. These
include:
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AFDC/GAIN Job Workshop/Job Club--a three week program consisting
of two weeks (40 hours) of classroom training and 1 week of
intensive, supervised job search.
The AFDC/GAIN standard curriculum must be adapted to suit refugee
adult learners and classes must be taught in a bilingual,
bicultural mode.
RCA Job Workshop/Job Club--an 8 week program consisting of 12
hours of classroom training during the first week followed by 7
weeks of Job Club.
The RCA Job Workshop Curriculum will include:
o Orientation to the Labor Market
o How to look for a job
o Application/resume completion
o Interviewing skills
o How to keep a job
o How to get a promotion
o Career advancement
o Workplace safety
a Employee rights
o Biweekly Job Club meetings
o Monitoring of clients' work search reports
o Referral to available jobs
(The number of employer contacts required will be as determined
by regulations. )
ES providers must use an ES Agreement to ensure clear
understanding as to what services the ES provider gives and what
the clients responsibilities are as an active participant in the
job search process. The Agreement must be explained in a
language the refugee understands and must be signed by the
refugee. The refugee must be given a copy of the Agreement and
an explanation of its contents prior to enrollment. A copy must
be maintained in the refugee's case file. ES staff will provide
job referrals and develop jobs matched to client's skills and
financial needs.
After placement, the job counselor will provide employer,
employee assistance and will •contact both client and employer to
verify 90 day job retentions.
Compliance with RCA Referral/Sanction System:
The ES Provider must comply with the RCA Referral/Sanction System
reporting requirements as outlined in Attachment D.
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2. Vocational Trainina/Vocational ESL
Note: This is an unfunded component which will be provided by
the County Superintendent of Schools, Regional Occupation Program
(ROP) by means of a Memorandum of Understanding. Refugees may
enroll in mainstream ROP classes with VESL support being provided
by voluntary tutors.
VT/VESL will be provided in locations throughout the County in a
variety of high demand occupations at various times in the day so
that part-time and shift workers can participate.
VESL services will be given as needed concurrently with the
training, either in a group setting or by individual tutoring.
The maximum period of training will be 6 months.
At the conclusion of the training, the client will be enrolled in
the ES component for job placement.
3 . Multiple Wage Earner Strategies:
In cases where families are so large that employment or salary
upgrading of the primary wage earner is not sufficient to achieve
independence from welfare, project staff will contact refugee
women's groups, prepare flyers etc. to outreach to the secondary
wage earner and others. Project staff will actively recruit
spouses of the enrollees and other employable persons within the
family to volunteer to be included in the program. A family
employment plan will be developed to maximize each person's work
potential. Staff may make referrals to the (TA) SA program for
such services as arranging child care or solving other practical
problems which would free spouses to accept training or
employment.
4 . Target Population
RCA recipients who have been in the U.S. 6 months are mandated to
participate in an 8 Week Job Search program. They have first
priority for enrollment in the ES program. Otherwise, enrollment
preference will be given to the "Newly Arrived" individuals who
have been in the U.S. less than 3 years.
5. Linkage With Existing Programs:
The CIU will provide intake, assessment and referral of welfare
cash assistance recipients to this component. Students attending
the (RESS) ESL program may co-enroll in this component. Persons
enrolled in ES/VT/VESL who develop a need for counseling or
Health Services, Child Care etc. , (as per 3. above) may be
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referred directly to the (TA) SA component for help with these
needs.
6. Unmet Service Need
There are no intensive bilingual job search workshops for
refugees in Contra Costa County other than this program.
Mainstream training opportunities do exist such as JTPA and
others, but none have VESL support to enable students with low
ESL levels to participate.
7. ES/VT/VESL Program Goals
A. The ES program will have both full-time and part-time job
goals. Job placements must be in unsubsidized employment.
Part-time jobs will be counted toward achievement of goals
under the following circumstances:
1) The part-time job yields enough income to remove the
person from RCA or GA and will lead to a full-time job.
2) The part-time job is preferred by a volunteer secondary
wage earner.
3) Income from the part-time job when combined with the
salary of another family member is sufficient to remove
the family from cash assistance.
Part-time jobs will account for 40% of the placement goals.
B. The VT/VESL program does not have job placement goals because it
is not funded, and is operated by an MOU (See table on page 30) .
The enrollment goal for the 12 month period is twenty (20) . Upon
completion of Vocational Training, clients will be enrolled in
the ES component for job search training and placement in
unsubsidized employment.
1. Expected results at the End of 6 Months:
(3/31/94)
Enrollments: ES 84 (VT/VESL 10)
ES Job Entries = (32 FT, 21 PT)
Employed 90 days = 18
2. Expected results at the End of 12 Months: (9/30/94)
Enrollments: ES 168 (VT/VESL 20)
ES Job Entries = (66 FT, 44 PT)
Employed 90 days = 75
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3. End of Project Goals - (12 mos plus follow up)
(12/31/94)
Expected Results at the End of Project Follow-up
Enrollments: ES 168 (VT/VESL 20)
ES Job Entries = (66 FT, 44 PT)
Employment 90 days = 100
4 . Persons discontinued from Cash Assistance (minimum 1 month)
due to employment are as follows:
6 months = 20
12 months = 32
Project End = 38
C. TRACKING OF PART-TIME EMPLOYED RCA RECIPIENTS
RCA recipients employed part-time will continue to be served
until full-time employment is achieved. These clients will be
required to continue to participate during non-working hours.
Staff will continue job development efforts. When the client
obtains full-time employment, regular 90 days tracking will be
done.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
Objectives
The CIU will issue Supportive Services payments to AFDC/GAIN clients
participating in the SRS component and to RCA/MG and GA clients
participating in RESS/TA programs (except Social Adjustment) .
Objectives of Supportive Services are to pay transportation child
care, or work-related expenses of AFDC, RCA, and in limited
circumstances, MG clients so that they can participate in RESS or TA
training programs or cover necessary work expenses until their first
payday in an unsubsidized job.
B. Program Content:
The CIU is responsible for assessing the need for Supportive Services,
verifying claims and disbursing the SS funds. CIU must explore
availability of other resources to cover these costs before SS funds
can be approved.
Supportive Services include:
Child care for disabled children or children under 13 paid at the
GAIN rate.
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Transportation $2.00/day
Work or training-related expenses (books, tools, clothing, fees
etc. ) at cost.
Personal counseling
The latter service (personal counseling) will be satisfied by the CIU
maintaining a list of community resources to which clients who develop
personal problems while in training may be referred. The CIU may also
make referrals to the (TA) SA component for personal counseling.
For additional information concerning CIU's administration of
Supportive Services, refer to ARRendix C, page 5.
C. Target Group:
Supportive Services are paid to RCA recipients and AFDC/GAIN eligible
persons who attend RESS or TA programs who have work-related expenses.
Note: MG clients may receive Supportive Services payments when they
participate in VT/VESL or ESL programs. They cannot participate in
the ES program.
The CIU makes payments directly to clients at the end of each month of
participation, upon verification of the expense claim.
SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT (SA)
(Extreme and Unusual Needs - EUN)
A. Objectives: To assist refugee individuals and families to overcome
problems of cultural adjustment and to obtain needed medical care. By
providing these services, the SA component will help refugees overcome
barriers to self- reliance and economic self-sufficiency.
B. Program Content: Project must serve clients county-wide and have
on-site bilingual capability in Laotian, Vietnamese and the Afghan
language. At a minimum, the SA project shall complete an assessment
for each refugee upon enrollment into the project, identify problems
to be solved and implement a comprehensive service plan describing
actions to be taken in order to resolve the problem. Accurate and
complete case records must be maintained on each refugee receiving
service. Project staff must verify legal refugee, Asylee or Amerasian
status on each client admitted into the program. Examples of SA
service activities include:
o Scheduling medical appointments and providing translation of
medical terms and instructions.
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o Parent/child intergenerational conflict resolution
o Counseling to alleviate family problems
o Counseling the elderly
o Employment referrals for persons not on cash assistance.
o Assisting secondary wage earners to locate child care
and/or organize home schedules in order to be available for
work or training.
It is intended that the project work in concert with the ES component
in promoting the overall goal of encouraging refugee self-sufficiency,
not just in an economic sense, but in life functioning as well. Since
TA funding may not always be available, it is important that services
be given in such a way that refugees do not become dependent on the
service provider, but, rather, develop the capacity to function on
their own initiative to the fullest extent possible.
C. Target Populations
As an EUN component, this project is available to any County resident
who is a refugee, regardless of cash assistance status, however,
"Newly Arrived" refugees shall be given priority for services.
D. Linkage With Existing Programs
CIU may refer non-cash refugees to this component for employment
referrals. Other RESS/TA providers may refer clients who develop
adjustment problems while in training. The ESL/VT/VESL providers may
refer secondary wage earners to this program for help arranging child
care and/or home schedules in order to be available for work or
training.
E. Unmet Service Need
Social Adjustment services currently provided by the Lao and
Vietnamese MAAs with small United Way grants are inadequate to meet
the need. The most underserved group are the Afghans who have no
local MAA. Voluntary agencies (Volags) provide resettlement services
only to new arrivals.
Bilingual services at the Health Department are limited to new
arrivals or special categories such as prenatal care or T.B.
treatment. Since GAIN started 5/1/88, non-cash-aided persons are
completely excluded from the TA-ES program. Since making job
referrals is part of the SA program definition, these persons can be
served in the SA program.
F. SA Program Goals
Program goals include numbers of persons served and cases completed.
Cost per case is based upon assuming an average of three contacts per
case between opening and closing.
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Cases are considered completed when the problem(s) identified in the
initial assessment is/are resolved.
1. Expected Results at the End of 6 Months 3/31/94:
Enrolled = 99
Completed = 50
2 . Expected Results at (12 Months) 9/30/94 : - (No follow-up)
Enrolled = 198
Completed = 198
HEALTH CARE WORKER VOCATIONAL TRAINING
DEFINITION:
In response to a growing demand for Health Care Workers as noted in the
Labor Market Analysis (See Section 2 of this County Plan) , TA 1993/94 will
continue to fund a Health Care Worker Vocational Training program on a 6
month trial basis. Justification for continuing to fund HWVT during a
"Corrective Action Plan" period is explained in Section 10, Procurement
Process, Page 47 . This program will address the Social Service
Department's concern for establishing a pool of trained bi-lingual health
care workers who can provide quality care for its frail elderly and
disabled refugee clients in their own homes. Those who complete the Health
Care Worker Vocational Training program will also qualify for entry level
jobs in convelescent hospitals. The program will provide a first step on
a career ladder which could lead to other medical careers such as Dietary
Technician, Radiology Technician, Certified Nurse Assistant, Licensed
Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse or other health care occupations.
PROGRAM CONTENT:
The Health Care Vocational Training Program will enroll refugees who are
receiving or are applying for cash welfare assistance. The program will
include:
1. Classroom training of no longer than 3 months
2 . Development of a culturally sensitive training curriculum with a
concurrent VESL curriculum
3 . Bi-lingual classroom assistance in at least one South East Asian
language, ( Laotian or Vietnamese)
4. Practical experience in a local licensed health care facility
5. Job search assistance and job placement at the conclusion of the
classroom training.
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6. Follow up contacts with employers to verify 90 day job retentions
*he course curriculum will include at a minimum the following competencies:
I. Basic home nursing
2. Health Care math
3. Oral and written English communication skills
4. Health care terminology
5. Treatments in home care
6. Personal care
7. Food and nutrition
8. Safety and emergency procedures
9. Budgeting
10. Basic CPR
LOCATION OF PROGRAM
The program will be located in the West County area at a site which is
Wcessible to public transportation. However, the program is not limited
o West County residents. Refugees from any part of the County may attend
this program.
TARGETED POPULATIONS:
"Newly Arrived" refugees will receive priority enrollment in this
component.
LINKAGE WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS
The CIU will provide referrals of cash aided refugees to this program.
Program staff will coordinate with the Department of Social Service's GAIN
program and In Home Care Units and with local convalescent hospitals and
medical facilities who could provide helpful input into the program
operations.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE RCA REFERRAL/SANCTION SYSTEM
The provider will comply with the RCA Mandatory Work Registration/Sanction
System reporting requirements as outlined in Attachment D.
CASE FILE RECORDING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A case file will be maintained on each trainee. Case documentation will
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include verification of the trainee's INS status as a refugee, asylee, or
Amerasian, an intake summary, periodic progress reports and a completion
summary, documentation of job entries/retentions.
A program log will be maintained listing students enrolled with dates of
enrollment and completion, job entries and 90 day retentions.
The provider will complete and submit monthly reports as required.
PROGRAM GOALS:
The Health Care Worker Training Program will enroll -15- persons during the
6 months of program operations. Eighty percent (80%) of these enrollees
will complete the training. At least 65% of the enrollees will be placed
in jobs and at least 60% of the enrollees will retain their jobs for 90
days. Because of the relative scarcity of full time job opportunities in
this field, 50% of these jobs may be part time.
EXPECTED RESULTS AT THE END OF 6 MONTHS (3/31/94)
Enrollments: 15
Completions: 12
Job entries: Full Time 5, Part Time 5
90 - Day Job Retentions: 3
EXPECTED RESULTS AT THE END OF FOLLOW UP 9 MONTHS (6/30/94) :
Enrollments: 15
Completions: 12
Job entries: Full Time 5 Part Time 5
90 - Day Job Retentions: 9
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MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
*Federal rules specify that only refugee Mutual Assistance Associations can
be the recipients of this grant. The Advisory Council felt that the most
practical use of this small grant would be to supplement the TA Social
Adjustment component. The MAAG funds will therefore be combined into a
single contract but will have separate program goals and tracking of
program funds.
1. Program Content
The (MAAG) SA project will have the same objectives, program
content, target populations, and linkages as the (TA) SA project.
The MAAG funds will enable the service provider to serve
additional persons as follows:
2. SA Program Goals
a) Expected Results at the End of 6 Months; (3/31/94)
Enrolled = 41
Completed = 20
b) Expected Results at Project End (12 Months) 9/30/94
Enrolled = 82
Completed = 82
SECTION 10 PROCUREMENT PROCESS
All 1992 RESS/TA/MAA contractors were successful bidders selected through
the Department's regular Request for Proposal (RFP) process conducted in
July and August, 1992. The RFP process requires that bidders demonstrate
the ability to meet the program objectives, success criteria, and linkage
with other service providers as described in the County Plan.
The RFP process was completed by the Social Service Department in
accordance with Federal, State and County regulations. The proposals
submitted were evaluated against fiscal, management, and programmatic
criteria.
The County issued a single RFP for the TA, MAA Social Adjustment Program
and limited bidding to refugee MAAS. The federal (ORR) definition of an
MAA is as follows:
1. An organization legally incorporated as nonprofit; and
2 . The organization has not less than 51% of its Board of Directors or
-46-
Governing Board composed of current or former Refugees/Entrants:
For the TA/RESS components, the Social Services Department complied with
RIPB Guidelines which encourage refugee leadership development and the
advancement of refugee MAAs. The Department applied the following policy
with respect to evaluating proposals against refugee leadership criteria:
Those proposals meeting the minimal level of acceptance will receive an
additional five points if they demonstrate refugee leadership development
through their proposed project.
Examples of refugee leadership development include:
a. Projects that are sponsored by an MAA.
b. Projects that equally share administrative and management
responsibilities with a refugee
C. Projects that demonstrate that refugee employees will receive
technical training in management, basic accounting, and in
developing public contact skills
If, after adding these points, there is a tie (defined as being within
a 2-point range) , priority funding is given to the proposal submitted
by a refugee MAA.
The CIU, ES and SA proposals were required to demonstrate the capability of
serving refugees county-wide. The ESL program, the Youth Employment
Program and Health Care Worker Training could serve clients out of a single
site in West County.
In the interests of maintaining stability of programs and continuity of
services to refugees already enrolled with funded contractors, the Advisory
Council recommended against issuing RFPs for the 1993/94 funding. Rather,
the Advisory Council recommended extending existing contractors through the
second year. It is permissible under State Law and County policy to extend
contracts up to a maximum of 3 years.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FOR HEALTH WORKER TRAINING PROGRAM
According to RIPB Guidelines, deficient contractors (defined as those
meeting less than 65% of goals) cannot be extended unless a Corrective
Action Plan is in force which is designed to help the contractor correct
those deficiencies and improve performance. The Health Care Worker
Training component was not meeting job placement goals after 6 months of
operations. This component, funded for the first time in 1992, had a
delayed startup and other problems which compromised performance. The
Council felt that the program should be given an additional time period in
which to prove itself. The contractor is expending considerable effort to
remedy the situation and is experimenting with curriculum and operational
changes which are described in detail in the RIPB approved Corrective
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Action Plan. While it was recommended that the other components be
tended for 1 year, the HCWT program will be extended on a trial basis for
months. Continued funding beyond the 6 months will depend upon the
contractor's progress in improving performance and whether there are
unspent funds available to extend the program for the rest of the year.
SECTION 11 PROGRAM MONITORING AND EVALUATION/REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Contra Costa County Social Service Deparmtment will report statistical
data monthly on the Forms RS-15, RS-16, and RS-247 and will report CIU
assessments and select demographics quarterly on the RS-10 form.
The Contra Costa County Social Service Department will conduct semi-annual
monitoring of all TA, RESS and MAAG contractors in accordance with a
monitoring plan approved by RIPB. Each monitoring review provides a
comprehensive overview of each component including:
1. Whether or not program goals are being achieved,
2. Reporting methodologies,
3 . Accuracy of statistical data as reported by service providers,
4 . The use of the program by the target population,
5. Compliance with the referral/conciliation/sanctioning processes
for RCA, GA and AFDC participants,
6. Accuracy of the determination of participant's alien status,
7 . Appropriateness of fiscal expenditures,
8. Accuracy of fiscal records,
9. Appropriateness of client referrals,
10. Sufficiency of case documention,
11. Appropriateness of follow-ups,
12. Identification of any corrective action needed, and
13. Validity of insurance coverage.
This information is obtained based on project-specific monitoring
questionnaires, a random sample case review (including participant
contact) , fiscal review and on-site visits. During the on-site monitoring
of components with job placement goals, the Department contacts a random
sample of employers who have hired program participants to verify
unsubsidized job placements and job retentions. In the event that a
project is found to be performing deficiently (achieving less than 65% of
goals) , a Corrective Action Plan will be submitted for RIPB approval before
extending or renewing a contract of a deficient contractor.
The DSS Refugee Program Analyst (who is also the Targeted Assistance and
RESS Coordinator for Contra Costa County) is responsible for conducting the
program operations review. A Fiscal Officer conducts the fiscal review.
In addition, the Social Service Department:
1. Assesses and monitors any subcontracts written by and entered
into by the subcontractors.
-48-
2. Completes State forms required for monitoring and evaluation
reports,
3. Compiles success data based on contract criteria,
4. Provides ongoing technical assistance to subcontractors,
5. Identifies and evaluates any problems that occur within the
project,
6. Provides/requires corrective action as applicable and
7. Works with the State Targeted Assistance representative on all
monitoring and evaluation issues.
SECTION 12 MISCELLANEOUS CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES FOR THE RESS, MAA
GRANT AND TARGETED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Contra Costa County agrees to comply with the following certifications and
assurances:
1. "That the County Plan was developed with significant input from
and participation by organizations/agencies involved in refugee
resettlement, including refugee community-based organizations;
voluntary resettlement agencies; public/private providers of
services to refugees; refugees community leaders; Health,
Education and Employment Services. "
2 . "That the planning process included consultation with members of
the local business sector (i.e. , Private Industry Council,
Chambers of Commerce) . "
3 . "That the County will comply with all statistical/fiscal
reporting requirements on a timely basis. "
4 . "That all services will be provided by qualified providers
(public or private nonprofit or for profit agencies of
individuals) in accordance with the following administrative
regulations published under 45 CFR:
- 45 CFR, Part 74, Sections: 74. 62, 74. 173, 74. 174,
74 .304; 74.710; and 74.715;
- 45 CFR, part 92 as published in the Federal Register of
March 11, 1988. (Exhibit E) "
5. "That continuation of existing components will be in
accordance with DSS guidelines. "
-49-
6. "That no project found deficient In its performance will be
awarded, continued or expanded unless the State gives prior
approval of a County corrective action plan for such project".
7. "That the County's procurement process provides for priority
consideration for funding refugee community-based organizations
which demonstrate the capacity, comparable to that of other
competitors who qualify for funding, to implement the proposed
services. "
8. "That the RESS, MAAG and TA administrative budgets are in
accordance with 45 CFR Part 95, Subpart E the County Cost
Allocation Plan. "
9. "That all requested salaries and fringe benefits for County
administration and for services the County is proposing to
deliver directly reflect the current County wage and benefit
scales."
10. "That RESS, Targeted Assistance or MAAG funds will not be used to
offset funding otherwise available to counties or local
jurisdictions from the State agency in its administration of
other programs (e.g. , ORR-funded Social Service. "
il. "That, except for the Extreme and Unusual Needs component, all
applicants for and participants in RESS and TA-funded services
shall be cash assistance applicants and recipients as defined by
Section IV, Item B, of the Guidelines. "
12 . "That all services funded under the MAA Grant will be provided by
one or more qualified MAA's or consortium of MAA's and is in
accordance with State Gudelines or policies.
13 . "That refugee women will have the same access to services as that
afforded to refugee men. "
14 . "That services will be provided in accordance with individual
employability plans for each refugee. "
15. "That the County will comply with the instructions regarding the
targeted population. "
16. "That the CWD will be notified of the client's participation and
employment status and provided information regarding all TA
supportive services payments made to refugee cash assistance
recipients participating in TA/RESS-funded services. "
17. "That the costs claimed for administration of RESS/TA-funded GAIN
services shall not exceed the maximum percentage allowed by the
-50-
provisions of Section 13275 of the Welfare and Institutions Code
(WIC) . "
18. "That Employment Related TA funds will support projects which
directly enhance refugee employment potential, have specific
employment objectives, and are designed to enable refugees to
obtain jobs with less than 1 year's participation in the program.
19. "That participation in an Economic Development component shall
reflect the State's most current refugee Welfare role as
determined by ORR. "
Note - The Econmic Development component is not funded in this
County Plan.
20. That "Newly Arrived" refugees ( defined as those who have less
than three years residence in the United States) will receive
priority for enrollment in program components. Newly arrived
refugees comprise 23% of the current refugee welfare caseload.
-51-
ECTION 13 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGETS
RESS COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
10/1/93 to 9/30/94 - (12 Months)
Salary/Fringes of RESS Coordinator/Monitor (46%) - $33, 090
TA COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
10/1/93 to 9/30/94 - (12 months)
Salary/Fringes - TA Coordinator/Monitor (54%) - $38, 927
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
0 0/1/93 to 9/30/94
County will administer this Grant at 0 Cost
-52-
ATTACHMENT A
REFUGEE SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
ROSTER
NAME ORGANIZATION
DIANA BARKLEY EAST BAY REFUGEE FORUM
DANG DUC-CANH VIETNAMESE FAMILY, INC.
PHOUNG NGUYEN VIETNAMESE FAMILY, INC.
SARN WANG SAEPHAN LAO FAMILY, DEVELOPMENT INC.
FRANK DAVIS (Chairperson) BOOST- BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
ARTHUR MINER PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
TORM NOMPRASEURT LAO PRIVATE BUSINESS
MARY BILLUPS EDD
SR. ELISABETH LANG CATHOLIC CHARITIES
MARIA MOSZKOWSKA INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMM.(IRC)
PAUL LAMB E.B. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
LE HOANG VIETNAMESE FAMILY, INC.
VALENDA ALA CHAPPELLE RIPB CONSULTANT TO THE COUNCIL
PAT ALLEN GAIN CONSULTANT TO THE COUNCIL
JANET TOMPKINS DSS-PROGRAM ANALYST/COORDINATOR
CALENDAR OF COUNCIL EVENTS
MEETINGS SUBJECTS DISCUSSED
April 29, 1992 Discussion of RESS and TA
funding allocations and
May 6, 1992 Guidelines; review of DSS
client characteristics:
May 13 , 1992 review of current RESS and TAP
Programs; function and funding
needs of the CIU; discussion
of Extreme & Unusual needs (TA
Program) Survey of ESL
community resources survey of
Labor Market. GAIN Program
integration options.
May 20, 1992 PUBLIC HEARING Discussion of Public Hearing
testimony. Review of Planning
guidelines. Discussion of
GAIN/CIU function. Final
selection of RESS and TA MAAG
components and funding levels.
June 3, 1992 Review and discussion of
1992/93 Draft County Plan.
June 23 , 1993 Plan Updated - contracts
extended for 1993/94 .
A-I
REFUGEE SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL AGE]gDA
MEETING: Wednesday, April 29, 1992
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
i
Grace Lutheran Church
Assembly Hall
24th and Barrett Avenues (NW corner)
Richmond, California.
AGENDA
1) INTRODUCTIONS
2) REVIEW TASK OF ADVISORY COUNCIL
3) REVIEW FUNDING ALLOCATIONS: RESS, TA 192, AND MAA GRANT
4) DISCUSSION OF FUNDING GUIDELINES
5) REVIEW OF SUPPLEMENTARY REFUGEE SERVICES (GAIN INTEGRATION)
PROGR M RESULTS
6) REVIEW OF CURRENT REFUGEE WELFARE CASELOAD STATISTICS AND
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
7) REVIEW PERFORMANCE OF CURRENT SERVICE CONTRACTORS
8) ASSIGNMENTS TO INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
9) SCHEDULE FUTURE MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARING _.
r
REFUGEE SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Second Meeting
Wednesday, May 6, 1992
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
GRACE LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP HALL
24TH AND BARRETT
RICHMOND
AGENDA
1. PRESENTATIONS BY CONTRACTORS:
ESL (WEST) Laranda Marr
Social Adjustment - Chao Sarn Chao
0-(Lk/ Vt- vr•SL/,cs - 00a tt y Pim/
2. DISCUSSION OF ROLLOVER FUNDS AVAILABLE: - Janet
3. REVIEW OF CURRENT REFUGEE WELFARE CASES BY ETHNIC GROUP AND
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION - Janet
4. LABOR MARKET SURVEY - Frank, Mary, Art
5. CHARACTERISTICS AND NEEDS OF REFUGEE GROUPS:
VIETNAMESE - Phuong or Canh
LAO - SarnKuang
RUSSIAN, AFGHAN, E. EUROPEAN - Maria
6. ESTABLISH DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING
,q-3
REFUGEE SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Second Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, 1992
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Fellowship Hall
24th and Barrett
Richmond
AGENDA
1. REFUGEES ON GENERAL ASSISTANCE - Jewel Mansapit
2. REFUGEES IN GAIN PROGRAMS - Pat Allen
3. NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF THE LAO COMMUNITY - Sarn Ruang
THE AFGHAN COMMUNITY - Aman Arghandiwal
4. STATISTICAL REPORT - NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE FORMER PRISONERS
OF WAR IN WEST CONTRA COSTA - Janet
S. EDD JOB LISTINGS - Mary
6. REVIEW OF FUNDING GUIDELINES
7. SELECTIOM OF TENTATIVE COMPONENTS TO BE FUNDED
e
DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNOUNCEMENTS
COUNCIL PLEASE NOTE: The Public Hearing will be on Wednesday, May
20, same place, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. It is very important that
all Council members be present as the County Plan will be finalised
directly after hearing public testimony. If for some reason you
are unable to =attend, please send a fully briefed representative
with a written prosy authorising that person to vote in your
absence.
i
�_ y
SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY REFUGEE ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1993
5:30 PM TO 7:30 PM
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
24TH AND BARRETT (NW CORNER)
RICHMOND
A G E N D A
I. INTRODUCTIONS
2. REVIEW FUNDING ALLOCATIONS FOR FY 1993/94
TARGETED ASSISTANCE (TAP)
REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL SERVICES (RESS)
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION GRANT (HAAG)
3. REVIEW GUIDELINE FOR 1993/94 COUNTY PLAN
4. REVIEW CURRENT WELFARE CASELOAD STATISTICS
5. REVIEW PERFORMANCE OF CURRENT SERVICE PROVIDERS
6. RECOMMEND PROGRAM COMPONENTS / CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
7. ADJOURN
D1STRIBUTION:
`'Frank Davis - BOOST (Chair) '"1�Iaria Moszkowska - IRC
VArthur Miner - County PIC 'Mary Billups - EDD
LPaul Lamb - EB Intl Inst. i Sister Elisabeth Lang - Cath Char.
Phuong Nguyen- Viet. Fam. vSarn Kuang Saephan - Lao Fam.
1Dana Barkley = EB Ref. Forum ' Torm Nompraseurt - Lao Bus.
alinda Ala Chappelle - State RIPB
%,Tanet Tompkins, Jewel Mansapit, Inez Adams - Social Serv. Dept.
Gen 9c (New 3/86)
_ L�
Social Service Department Contra Please reply to:
40 Douglas Drive
Rose Manning Costa Martinez.California 94553-4068
Interim Director
County
ATTACHMENT B
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Wednesday, May 20, 1992
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church Fellowhip Hall
24th and Barrett Streets
Richmond
The Contra Costa County Social Service Department has scheduled this
Hearing to receive input from the public concerning the most effective
and efficient use of funds from three federal grants which the County
anticipates receiving. These grants are: Refugee Employment Social
Services (RESS) , $249,471; the Refugee Targeted Assistance Program (TAP)
$236,579; and the Mutual Assistance Association Grant (MAAG) , $17,198.
According to Federal/State Guidelines, the purpose of these grants is to
fund programs which will help refugees become employed and independent
of welfare assistance as soon as possible after their arrival in the
United States.
The following are allowable programs for which these funds may be used:
Intake and Assessment, Employment Services, On-The-Job Training,
Vocational Training, vocational English-as-a-Second Language,
Cultural Adjustment, Extreme and Unusual Needs, Work
Experience, Professional Skills Upgrading, Innovative services,
English-as-a-second Language (ESL) , Remedial Education, Economic
Development, Supportive Services, Skills Recertification, Case
Management
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated the Social
Service Department as the agency responsible for developing and imple-
menting refugee services County Plans after meaningful consultation with
an Advisory Council made up of representatives from resettlement agen-
cies, refugee groups, the business community and public agencies.
The Advisory Council would appreciate input from the public concerning
the special needs of refugees in Contra Costa County and would further
appreciate suggestions as to which of the above allowable programs would
most facilitate the goal of helping refugees achieve self-sufficiency as
soon as possible after their arrival in the U.S.
To hear as many people as possible, presentations at the Public Hearing
should be limited to five minutes.
For Information about this notice, please contact Janet Tompkins,
Refugee Program Analyst, Contra Costa County Social Service Department,
(5 10) 313-1610.
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SUMMARY OF TESTIMONY REFUGEE SERVICES
PUBLIC HEARING
MAY 20, 1992
Twelve (12) speakers spoke at the Public Hearing. Ten (10)
Advisory Council Members were present for the Public Hearing: Torm
Nompraseurt, Sister Elisabeth Lang, Frank Davis, ' Sara Ruang
Saephan, Maria Moszkowska, Mary Billups, Diana Barkley, Dang-Duc
Canh, Art Miner, and Paul Lamb. These members mere present also
for the meeting which followed the Public Hearing with the
exception of Dang Duc-Canh who had to leave early. Janet Tompkins,
Consultant from Department of, Social Service was present for the
Public Hearing and also-for the meeting.
SPEAKER # 1 is 'a refugee from Vietnam who arrived 4 months ago. He
is a student at English Action Center. He spoke in favor of
continuing the ESL program in West County. Janice lou translated for
Speaker # 1.
SPEAKER # 2 is a refugee from Vietnam who arrived 5 months ago.
She has -been a student at EAC for 2 months. - She wants ESL program
to continue in West County. Janice Lu translated for Speaker # 2.
SPEAKER # 3 is the manager of the Social Adjustment Program at Lao
Family Community Development, Inc. Wants County to continue to
fund Social Adjustment at 15$. Speaker spoke of the many
accomplishments of LFCD over the past 12 years. LFCD does many
services in addition to Social Adjustment. Is developing expertise
in Youth Services, parent education, is networking with many other
agencies (police, 'probation, neighborhood house, Dept of Justice
to combat youth gangs, school dropouts and crimes, against Asians.
Sees worsening problems in family relationships, generation gaps.
Speaker 13 supports the County Plan in general and the two new
proposed components: Youth Employment and Health Aide training.
SPEAKER 14 works as a volunteer after school tutor. He is Lao and
has been here many years. Very concerned about Lao parents loss of
control over their children and how these children can grow to be
self-sufficient adults unless they achieve in school. Speaker 14
suggested that the funding be spent on school programs for children
starting with the first grade. He said economic success of the
nation depends upon investment in youth.
SPEAKER #5, a Lao refugee, also suggested that the funds be used to
support tutorial programs for school children.
SPEAKER 16 is the director of community services for Catholic
Charities y She commended the Council for -its . worthwhile,
productive meetings and she supports the proposed County Plan,
feels the two new proposed components (Youth Employment, and Health
Aide VT) " brings new life to the plan. She recommended changing the
VT program to include training in the Hotel Industry which was
identified by the Council as a business which has; expanded job
opportunities.
PAGE 2 PUBLIC HEARING 5/20/92
SPEAKER 17 is the principal of the Richmond Adult School. He
supports the proposed County Plan, especially the West County ESL
program. RAS provides the teaching staff at EAC. RAS can provide
any services in the adult SSL area that are needed. Can use new
school sites when needed. RAS finally has .its computer assisted
ESL lab operational.
SPEAKER 08 is from the Afghan Association of California. Is also
concerned about problems developing among .Afghan youth such as
drugs, alcohol. Parents losing control in this more permissive
environment. Speaker stated that programs they have in Fremont and
Union City don't seem to help. Suggested that funds be used . to
support parent education programs so that parents could communicate
better with their kids.
SPEAKER 19 is from the Lao Education Council Board of Directors.
He said-that he is a Mien and is a credentialed teacher teaching in
Oakland. Has been teaching 15 years and is disturbed that after 15
years, many Lao families are still on welfare. Feels that money
should be redirected from remedial programs to preventive programs.
Disturbed that so many youth lack work goals, aspire to be on
welfare like their parents. Suggests money be spent on tutoring
programs for kids, parent education, and family literacy programs.
SPEAKER # 10 is the manager of the CIU and ES programs. Reminded
Council that refugees County wide need .services, not just those in
West County. Forty eight (48%) of the refugees seen in the Central
Intake T?nit live in Central or East County She supports the
proposed County Plan in general and especially the increased
funding for Employment Services. ES services will be much more
effective with 2 job developers on staff. She supports the Health
Aide Training component--feels that this program is greatly needed.
In reply to Speaker 16 suggestion to fund a Hotel VT program, she
reported that ROP offers hotel training at Berkeley Adult School
and at the Marriott Hotel in San Ramon. Several refugees have
enrolled in these classes.
SPEAKER OF11 is the Director of the ESL program at English Action
Center. She said that she has been a silent observer of the
Council meetings and she commands the Council on its work and
supports the proposed .County Plan. She described the program at
EAC which she said is a successful partnership between the Adult
School and a non-profit agency. EAC has a unique program of bi-
lingual, bi-cultural education which has proved successful with the
sub-literate population. She feels this model can be transplanted
to serve the Hispanic population.
SPEAKER #12 is a counselor for *a Lao Senior Program in San
Francisco. This program receives funding from the San Francisco
Foundation. He has been working since 1989 and is serving 160
elderly Lao in the San Francisco area. He estimates that there are
about 75 elderly Lao_in San Pablo/Richmond who need these services.
He suggested that the Council consider funding a program to help
the elderly, particularly in the area of nutrition.
1.� - Li
Attachment C
CENTRAL INTAKE UNIT (CIU)
Part CIU/GAIN Responsibilities
Since the implementation of the Supplemental Refugee Services
System (SRS) component in Contra Costa County July 1, 1991, the
Central Intake Unit (CIU) no longer provides case management
services for AFDC clients participating in KESS/TA programs.
Rather, the AFDC clientfs GAIN Case Manager performs this
service. (See Section 6 of this County Plan for a narrative
description of the SRS component.) The CIU will provide the
following services for AFDC clients referred to the SRS component
by their GAIN Case Mangers:
1. Basic English Skills Test (BEST) testing and retesting.
2. Assistance at GAIN Orientation when bilingual help is
needed. '
3. Provide consultation for the GAIN CM re appropriateness of
placement in an KESS/TA-funded component.
4. Complete referrals to RESS/TA-funded programs.
5. Obtain sufficient demographic information for required
statistical reporting.
6. Brief documentation in the CIU file that a client referred
to ESL needs this training before entering another component
specific to a short-term job objective.
7. Brief documentation in CIU file that a client entering an
RESS/TA program has a job objective achievable within one
year.
s 8. Track attendance/cooperation for GAIN students while
attending the RESS/TA components.
9. Pay Supportive Services payments to refugees participating
in the SRS component.
Part II: CIU/Non-GAIN Responsibilities For Serving RCA, GA and
Matching Grant (MG) Clients
A. Definition
1. The Central Intake Unit is responsible for accepting
referrals from County Welfare Departments (CWDs) and
other sources. In addition, the CIU is responsible for
determining the necessary services that a refugee needs
to become self-sufficient and managing the refugee
through RESS-funded and/or Targeted Assis- tance (TA)-
funded service components. The CIU determines the
eligibility of the refugee clients for services,
certifies registration and participation to the CWD,
assesses refugee(s) employability, develops an
employment plan, refers refugees to other service
components, monitors their progress, provides follow-up
and participates in the Mandatory Work Registration and
Sanctioning System.
C-1
2 . The CIU must provide.'the full range of services
(intake, referral, assessment, follow-up, etc. ) for all
eligible clients referred to the components prior to
their referral to and enrollment in an RESS/TA
component. In addition, all mandatory cash assis-
tance clients must be provided the full range of CIU
services prior to their referral to RESS/TA-funded
contractors.
3. The CIU is required to refer appropriate clients to
available training/employment services slots for both
RESS- and TA-funded services in accordance with the
County Plan. Referrals must be on a timely and
equitable basis and must be consistent with' the
client's employment plan developed by the CIU.
4. The CIU will be allowed to refer mandatory and
voluntary cash-aided refugees to non-RESS/TA-funded
services provided prior written approval of a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed by
the County and the provider of the service agrees to
the requirements of the Mandatory Work Registration and
Sanctioning System, the Statistical Reporting System
and the other require- ments included in the County-
approved nonfinancial agreement.
B. County-Specific Requirements
1. There will be only one CIU in Contra Costa County. The
CIU will serve clients out of offices in three regions
of the county: West, Central and East. These office
must be convenient to public transportation.
2 . All persons enrolled in RESS/TA programs (with the
exception of the TA-MAA Social Adjustment component and
Title XX Information and Referral Services) must be
referred by the CIU.
3. The CIU will refer only cash-aided welfare recipients
to the refugee-funded components. This includes
recipients of AFDC, RCA, GA, and SSI. Matching Grant
clients may be referred to any compo- nent except the
ES component.
4. The CIU staff must have bilingual capacity in the
Vietnamese and Lao languages and provide interpretation
in other languages as needed.
5. The CIU will coordinate with REBS and TA service
providers to ensure that "Newly Arrived" refugees are
given priority for enrollment in funded programs.
6. The CIU will cooperate with GAIN case managers, receive
referrals ffrom them, assist in tracking GAIN
C-2
participants in the funded components, and report back
on GAIN-approved forms.
7. The CIU will coordinate with CWD and the ES provider to
ensure that RCA recipients attend an 13-week Mandatory
Job Search program beginning at their sixth month of
residence in the U.S.
C. General Reguirements
The following requirements apply equally to RCA, GA clients
served by TA/RESS-funded contractors.
1. Intake - The CIU shall gather information as to
eligibility, personal data, work history, educational
background, language proficiency and any barriers to
employment and training, and:
a. Accept all mandatory and voluntary referrals
of RCA, GA refugees applying for or receiving
cash assistance from the CWDs and certify
they have reported to the CIU on the RS-3
form;
b. Review the Explanation of the Mandatory Work
Registration Requirements (RS-30) at intake
with each mandatory refugee and document that
discussion in the refugee's case file. All
mandatory clients will be required to sign
the RS-30;
C. The CIU must inform voluntary clients that
they will be ineligible for services for 90
days if they fail to participate/cooperate
with the service providers or refuse a job
offer.
2 . Assessment - CIUs are required to make assessments of
RCA, GA and MG clients. Assessment is defined as
activity by CIU staff to develop a composite profile of
the refugee's work history, train- ing, education, and
present degree of employability and identi- fication of
existing barriers to employment. The CIU determines
the refugee's eligibility for services and suitability
for RESS/TA components by using the following criteria:
In order to be eligible, a refugee:
♦♦ Must be an eligible refugee, asylee or Amerasian
as indicated on the I-94 or formerly had refugee
status if currently a resident alien as indicated
on the I-151 or
C-3
I-155.
t♦ Must be 16 years or older.
♦• Cannot be a full-time student in primary or
secondary school unless a mandatory client
referred by the CWD or unless the referral is to
the Youth Employment Program. .
In order to determine suitability for placement in a
RESS/TA program, the CIU must consider the refugee's:
♦♦ BEST/SPL score.
♦♦ Work history, job skills, education level, ESL
levels indicated on the I-94, previous training
received, length of remaining time eligibility,
and any illness that prevents continued
participation in training and employment services.
3. The CIU will be required to verify cash assistance
status.
4 . BEST-SPL Assessments - The CIU is required to
administer the Basic English Skills Test and establish
Student Performance Levels (BEST/SPL) for each refugee
at time of initial assessment, yeas- sessment, or upon
completion of ESL as a post-test. ES clients must be
tested at every other recycle, or every six months,
which- ever comes first. A person scoring an SPL 7 or
above on either the core of literacy sections on the
initial or subsequent retest need not retake the BEST.
The CIU will administer the BEST and use the results,
along with other client information, to determine to
which component the refugee will be referred. A person
with a score SPL 6 or below is not recuired to be
referred to ESL. The appropriate referral would be
determined by considering all factors indicated in Item
2, "Assessment," above. The CIU must attach form,
"Report of Refugee BEST/SPL Results" (RS-246) to the
RS-3A when making referrals.
If the refugee is referred to ESL, the CIU, at the time of
referral, shall establish a date on which the BEST post-test will
be given. The CIU must notify the client and the ESL provider in
writing when the client will report to the CIU for the post-test.
ESL providers may refer a client to the CIU to take the post-test
and be rerferred to ES or VT if the client demonstrates
employment/training potential. For informing ESL provider of the
Post-test results, it is necessary for the CIU to send only the
"Report of Refugee BEST/SPL Results" form. The CIU is required
to send copies of the post-test results to the ESL providers
C-4
within ten working days from the training completion date as
indicated by the ESL provider on the RS-3A.
The CIU must administer the BEST post-test to ESL participants
upon the following:
♦♦ The end of training.
♦♦ Once every six months, or after the completion of 75
percent of the ESL training if the training exceeds six
consecutive months, whichever comes first.
♦♦ Whenever the ESL provider believes a refugee isready
for referral to the next service component in the
employability plan and refers the refugee to the CIU
for the post-test.
♦� During each reassessment interview at the CIU. Under
no circum- stances would the BEST be administered a
second time during the six weeks immediately following
the initial test.
5. Development of Employment Plans - CIUs are required to
develop a detailed action plan designed to assist the
refugee to become self-sufficient in the shortest
period of time. The plan must contain an anticipated
completion date of training for each referral and/or
component.
6. Referral - The CIU is required to ensure impartial
referrals of refugees to available training/employment
services slots for both RESS- and TA-funded
contracts/services.
The CIU is responsible for ensuring that:
♦♦ A Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) client placed into
or enter- ing into employment of less than 100
hours per month as an ES participant must remain
with that ES provider until he/she gets a full-
time job or is discontinued from RCA. The ES
provider must continue to provide the full range
of ES services, including required job search and
company contacts to these participants.
7. Follow-up and Tracking - CIU is required to track and
follow the refugee's progress through the employment
,,plan period; complete reassessments as required; report
to the CWD upon completion and/or nonparticipation or
noncooperation; and complete all mandatory referral
system forms, and participate in fair hearings when
required The CIU must also report to the CWD all
C-5
employ- ment placements and any changes in employment
status of refugees receiving "cash assistance" (whether
voluntary or mandatory clients) .
The CIU must maintain individual client case files on
RCA, GA and MG clients. Each case file must contain
the following forms and information:
44 Copy of current signed application for services
(RS-1) .
44 Documentation of refugee status, including a copy
(front and back) of I-94 or resident alien card
(I-151 or I-155) .
44 Client or agency contact log documenting
activities and.timelines concerning client
participation/cooperation in services.
44 CWD referral for mandatory clients (RS-3) .
4♦ Explanation of the Mandatory Work Registration
Requirements signed by the client (RS-30) .
♦♦ Client tracking form (RS-3A) for each referral.
This is applicable to both mandatory and
nonmandatory refugees.
44 Copy of RS-3D (RCA Job Search Tracking Form) .
44 Copies of any RS-9As or RS-9Bs.
44 Copies of BEST/SPL results, the score sheets or
copies of the RS-246.
4♦ Copy of RS-3A from provider showing acceptance or
denial of entry to program, or informing CIU of
client employment.
♦4 Copy of any and all notices of
nonparticipation/noncoopera- tion (RS-3A) .
44 Copy of nonparticipation interview or phone
contact docu-menting the client's explanation for
his/her failure to cooperate/participate (RS-3C) .
44 Copy of RS-3 from CWD notifying CIUs of good cause
decision or that client filed an appeal to a
proposed sanction.
44 Copy of RS-38 from CWD informing CIU of the
conciliation plan.
C-6
•♦ Copy of RS-18 from CWD informing CIU of successful
or unsuccessful conciliation.
♦♦ Copy of the appointment letter if client was not
assessed on the same day as initial contact with
the CIU.
♦♦ Copies of all Supportive Services
assessment/payment forms, including provider
certification of client enrollment or
participation.
♦♦ Copy of RS-3 from CWD notifying CIU as to the
outcome of the fair hearing.
♦♦ All documents and correspondence related to case.
8. Child Care. Transportation. Work-Relat:e_d Menses -
Some RCA, MG clients may be eligible to receive child
care, transportation and work-related expenses. The
CIU will assess and certify the need, determine
eligibility for such payments and make disbursements
for such expenses. Each client must be assessed for
these services at initial assessment and each
reassessment performed thereafter.. The CIU must
establish appropriate fiscal and accounting systems to
track these payments. The CIU must also ensure that
adequate funds will be available to reimburse the
future child care and/or transportation needs of
eligible clients who are enrolled in graining or
employment services. 'The CIU and service provider(s)
are responsible for tracking and reporting the client's
participa- tion in training and the continued need for
child care, transpor-tation and work-related expenses.
The CIU will make Supportive Services payments to GAIN
refugees participating in the SRS Component.
In addition, the CIU must provide information and
referral services to clients who need personal
counseling services to ensure compliance with and/or
successful completion of the CIU- developed services
plan. Referrals to personal counseling services must
be documented in the client's case file.
9. Reporting and Tracking - The CIU is required to
coordinate the reporting and tracking requirements of
*,RCA, GA and MG.
C-7
10. CIU Hours - The CIU must be open Monday - Friday from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. , except for holidays specified in the
CIU contract.
C-8
ATTACHMENT D
MANDATORY WORK REGISTRATION SANCTIONING SYSTEM
REFUGEE CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RCA1
The Refugee Assistance amendments of 1982 and Federal refugee regula-
tions published in the February 3, 1989 Federal Register, Vol. 54, No.
22 delineate eligibility requirements for RCI . As a condition of
receiving RCA, all mandatory refugees must: register with and partici-
pate in RESS-funded, Ta-funded or RIPE approved employment or language
training and accept any appropriate offer of employment.
Failure or refusal to accept an appropriate job offer or to participate
in an available and appropriate services program without good cause may
result in the termination of the refugee's grant for three payment
months for the first occurence and six payment months for any subsequent
occurrence.
Clients reported for noncooperation/non/participation retain their
mandatory status throughout the conciliation, hearing and appeals
processes and must continue to cooperate and participate.
During the sancion period, these clients remain eligible for services,
but as voluntary participants not subject to the referral and sanction-
ing process. To meet these requirements, a formal County Welfare
Department (CWD) referral, sanctioning system, service provider work
registration, tracking and reporting systems have been developed and
implemented in each county.
In general, Contra Costa County follows state RIPB recommended proce-
dures in its application of the RCA Mandatory Work Registration and
Sanctioning System. Accordingly, the county requires that the CIU and
the providers of ES, VT/VESL and ESL comply with this system as it is
described in this Attachment.
The following pages, (D-2 through D-10) , contain excerpts from the
March, 1990 revision of State policy material which are applicable to
RGA program operations in this County.
D-1
E611,7681I0-am SBUCTIMbi IMMIB21I�AM PROCE1
1. Sgic M=liare Deaattwe�_tl�Rcs{�Qnsib� ilitieg
Rff*ctive January 1. 1990, pips crust track RCA recipients and document
the Gush assistance one fi3e I% order to ensure that eight consecutive
creeks of Jon Search begins so later than six months otter the refugee
has entered the United States, or at the time the refugee is determined
eligible for cash assistance It the refugee bas been in the United
States at least six months at the time of such determination. CWDs must
ensure that requirements for participation in Job Search are met as a
condition of eligibility for cash assistance.
- Accepts applieatioms for cash assistance.
- Determines eligibility for RCA.' . cash assistance. .
- Determines if a refugee/Ameresian Is exempt or nonexampt from mandatory
work registration and training, regviraeents.
- Explains program, client's rights and responsibilities, and the referral
and sanctioning process.
- Refers nonexempt refugees/Ameresiens to the local CIU for participation
In RESS-funded services via the RS-3 which includes timef romes within
which registration roust occur and when the certified PS-4 must be
returned to the CWD.
- Ensures that a nonexempt RCA recipient who is employed 30 hours a week
or less accepts part-Ilse employability services, provided that such
services do not interfere with the recipie;:'s job.
Ottermines good cause for nonperticipetion/noncooperation or job
refusal.
- Ensures that conciliation shall begin as soon as possible, but no later
'then 1D days following the date that the CVD is Heade aware of an RCA
retiaiert's tailure -to eooperste/porticipate or within 30 days of the
date that the recipient tailed to tooperste1participate, whichever comes
first.
- Develo+ps a written conciliation plan specifying the actions the
recipient must take to demonstrate cooperstion with registration,
emolp meat, and emoloyment-directed education/training recuirements.
D-2
(Revised 3/80)
- Sanctions (denies or discontinues assistance) the refugee who, except
for good @muse, fails to register and/or participate in training,
refuses an appropriate job offer, and who fails to successfully complete
conei1istlah.
- Provides the CIU via the RS-29 with any Information necessary for the
CIU to complete the interview requirements of the sanctioning process,
Including a refugee's current address and phone number.
- Provides the CIU with verificetIon that a nonmandated refugee is on
public assistance in order that the CIU may estsblir>h priority groups
for services.
- Notifies the Clg within Jb working days of any good cause decision via
the Its-18.
- Notifies the CIU within 1S working days when a client files an appeal to
a proposed sanction (fair hearing) via the RS-18.
- Notifies the CIU as to the outcome of the fair hearing via the RS-18-
- Notifies the CTU as to case status changes (e.g., RCA to AFDC) and
changes to address, telephone number, etc, via the PS-18 on a timely
basis.
- Notifits the CIU of the client's conciliation plan via the RS-38.
- Ensures that the tracking method used by the CIU verifies the amount of
time a client has been enrolled in a higher education/professional
refresher/recertification program prior to his application for aid.
- Ensures Chet a client's total time of enrollment in a higher education
refresher/recertification program does not exceed eine year's duration.
i. central Intak•=,�njf tGltil itesnQ� 1 ties
- Effective January 1, 1990, the CIU must provide information to the CVD
indicating'the client's-referral end completion of the eight consecutive
week Job Search.
Accepts mandatory referrals of refugees/Ameresions applyino for or
rectfvin9 each assistance from the CVD.
i
U-3
fkevised V90)
- CompJetes the RS-3 CIU Referral form to resister and certify that the
refugtt has reported as directed on the day the refugee presents it to
the CIU. The fors will only be considered certified and complete it the
CIU certification stamp is affixed. It is the CIU's responsibility to
ensure that the certification stamp is used appropriately. The CIU
retains two copies of the fors and instructs the refugee to so to the
CND with the original certified copy. .
Completes (with the mandatory refugee) the RRP Services /application
(RS-1), completes services assessment, administers the Basic English
Shills Test (BEST), and develops the service plan. The CIU develops an
aployability Plan for the client which contains a definite employment
goal consistent with the employability of the refugee in relation to job
openings in the area. The plan must also be designed to lead to the
earliest possible employment, to be obtained, in the shortest time
period, and enable the client to meet the Job Search requirements. The
CIU also assesses and certifies the cash assistance client's needs for
RESS-funded Supportive Services. If. these activities are not completed
at the some time as the RS-3 CND referral form is certified, the refugee
tWjj be given a VRITTEN APPOINTMENT indicating the date, time, and place
where the required activities will be completed. The CIU refers
refugees to appropriate services(s) via the RS-3A based on the CIU
assessment and the Student Performance Levels (SPL) of the BEST test.
The RS-1, the RS-3A, and BEST/SPL test results must be hand carried by
the refugee to the service provider. The client is to report to the
service provider .within seven (7) working days of the referral by the
Referrals are valid for only these seven (7) working days. The
RS-1 and the activities described above must be completed within seven
(7) working days of the initial contact with the refugee. If the
refugee does not keep the CIU appointment(s), the CIU must report this
to the CVD as noncooperation/nonporticipation via the RS-3 CIU Referral
Form.
Explains services programs and the Mandatory Work and Registration
requirements.
- Verifies that the client is enrolled and participating in services as
ueandated by the employability plan.
- Refers a ntnexeawpt RCA recipient who is employed 30 hours a week or less
to employability services, provided that such services do not interfere
with the recleient's job.
The {IU shall ensure that any client enrollment and participation in e
Professional ref rasher/recertification training program shell be part of
an aaeroved emaloymeni plan; the training shell not exceed 12 months
duration (including any time enrolled in the United States prior to
refugee's soplication for assistance); is specifically intended to
assist the professional in becoming relicensed in his or her profession;
and, if completed can realistically be expected to result in such
re2icensing.
D-4
(kevised 3/80;
- Develops and implements a system to track the client"s total time of
enrollment and participation in a higher education/professional
refresher/recertSliest ion program that verifies .the total time of
enrol Imint/part itSpat ion does not exceed one year.
Notifies providers of the results of the nonpsrticipstion/noncooperation
reports forwarded by the CIU to the CWD. ,
If the client fails to report within the seven (7) working day timeframe
for training or employioent services, refuses to portieipste or cooperate
to those services or accept an appropriate job offer and the CWD Aar. '
elected to eontl=* toving the Nonpartieipetion Interview, the CIU must
contact tht elitnt within seven 17) working days of
notification by the service provider of the nonaarticiaation/
noncooperation and document the client's explanation on the
RS-38 form
The CIU is required to ensure all
doc wenletlon recelved by the provider substantiating the
nonparticipation/noncooperelion or Sob refusal is complete and accurate.
'rhe CIU eonletts a Nonparticipation •Contact' with the
refugee and completes the RS-3C. The CIU must send a copy of tech RS-3C
report to the CVD within five (51 working days from the date of the contact
• � The CIU must send all necessary
documentation to the CO.- The CIU shell not determine good cause for
rionaarticipa'tion, but rather, shall gather and record all the facts
concerning the incident for use by the CND in making a good cause
det erxinttiows. All incidents of nonparticipation must be reported to
the CVD. Documentation to the CWD shell include at s minimum:
- RS-3 C1U Referral Form
- RS�] RRP Services Application
- RS-3A Client Tracking Form
- US-3.B Nonparticipatlon Interview Appointment Letter, (it CWD has
slected to continue these nonparticipation interviews)
- RS-3C Nohparticipstiah Interview Rtport, (if CWD has elected to
Continue interviews)
- RDP-1 Child Care/Transportation Request/Weaver
- RDP-a Work-Releted Expenses Request/Waiver
D-5
(Revised 3/80)
l
- A eoAY of the Service Provider's Attendance Policy (RS-28) and/or ES
Agreement (RS-27) signed by the refugee at the time he/she was
odeltted to the training/employment services program
A copy of all pertinent attendance records and other documentation
that the provider to required to forward to the CIU
Copies of all eorrespondenee to and from the refugee, end to the CIU,
which relate to the issue
- Any other pertinant reeords or data that ere available
- A copy of the explanation of the Mandatory Work Registration
Requirements (RS-30)
It tht.refut" does not appear for the Nonpsrticipation
Interview, the MV must complete Report RS-3C and forward it along with
Mulred donsmentation to the CYQ within five (b) working days from
scheduled Nonpartieipatioe Interview.
- The CIU shell ensure that voluntary refugees who have been terminated
from RRP services for failure to cooperate/participate are not referred
to any RRP training/services for a 90-dey period.
The CIU must complete the RS-3 CIU Referral Form on all refugee
porticipants who are on cesh assistance whether voluntary or mandatory
each assistance participants end forward it to the CWD within five (5)
working days of notification by any provider that the refugee has
Entered *mloy+ment, had subse4uent changes to that emoloymtnt (received
raise, quit, promoted, etc., ) or failed to cooperate/participate in
,training or employment services activities.
- If client is a RCA recipient ., the CIU I
determines the need for child care, transportation, and ancillary
expenses and eligibility for such payments and makes disbursements for
such expenses under the prescribed RIPB payment system. The CIU must
certify initial and ongoing need for these payments.
- If client is a RCA recipient, and determined eligible for child core
services, the CIU must ensure that AFDC child core standards are
adhered to.
D-6
(Revised 3/901
- Maintains all documents and records as delineated above:.
- Participates in oltent fair hearings when necessary.
- Provides information to the CWD indicating the client'tf eosplionce with
The conciliation plan os indicated on the RS-38 within the timeframe
Indicated by the CWD.
3. Service Proyiders_Resoonal lits S
- Effeetlw January 1, 1980, the Service Provider must provide information
to the CIC rewarding the clients'compliance with the eight Consecutive
week Job Saud+.
- The chant is required to report to the provider within seven t7�
working days of the CIU referral date. The training/eaployment services
referral is good for seven t73 working days only. After that time, it
is invalid. A client possessing an invalid RS-3A SH&LL NOT be enrolled
In training or employment services by a provider and MALL BE referred
back to the CIU via the RS-3A for noncooperation and/or nonpartiepation.
If the client reports to the provider within seven (7) working days, the
provider is to mail the RS-3R back to the CIU indicating the client
reported as directed. The RS-3As are to be sailed on the day the client
reports to the provider.
If the client is found by the provider to be an inappropriate referral,
the provider must refer the client back to the CIU for reassessment via
the RS-3A on the some day as the inappropriate referral is documented in
the provider's file. The provider must indicate on the RS-3A the basis
on which it was determined that a referral was inappropriate.
if the clitnt can be enrolled and meets the provider's entrance
requirements, the provider verities enrollment in services by completing
the RS-3A and returning it to the CIU
- Prior to enrollment the provider explains the Attendance Policy IRS-28]
and/or the Employment Services A9reeement SRS-273 or Worksite Agreement
in a language the client understands. The client signs the Attendance
Policy and/or Employment Services Agreement and receives a copy.
The provider indicates in the client's file that
the Agreement end/or Atienderece Policy was explained in a language the
client understands and that a copy was given to the client, docuement$
.he date this occurred, and places the signed original in the client's
`ile. The client's refusal to sign an Attendance Policy tRS-283 or ES I
Agreement IRS-273 shell be contidertd
nonaartIciestIon/noncooperation and shell be reported to the CIU as su:h
via the RS-3A. The policy/agreement must be explained to the client in
a language which he/she understands or be translated into a language
which he/she understands. The policy/agreement must also at a minimum
Include:
D-;
o An a of three (31 or more consecutive days from ESL. VT/VESL or
In ravo Ina-to the VT/ES or ES providers for required in-person
eonfec s and/or conducllr►g job search due to illness must be supported
by is Ittansed m*dical doctors signed verification that the refugee
was fte !I1 to participate.
o Cumulttfve absences (excused end wrazeused) of 10 percent or more of
the laps necessary to complete training and/or the 90 days of VT/ES or
ES actfrities will be considered nonporticipstion/noncoewstion end
will be reported to the MU vis the RS-3A.
o An illness (even tf supported by a doctor's verifiestion) of one or
snore reeks that prevent* a refugee from participating in training must
result in the provider referring the refugee back to the CIU for
teasseasrert to deterodse It the refugee should continue to
participate in training or be referred to the CWD for a
redetermination of mandatory status.
- Verify participation and cooperation in training CESL and V7/VESL1
through dally sign-in sheets with instructor verification.
- If client is enrolled in a professional refresher/recertification
training program, as a part of a approvrd employobility plan, the
provider will document and verify the client's attendance.
- Review the Explenetion of the Mendetory Work Registration Rtauir*ments
IRS-30 with the refugee in a language he/she understands, have the
refugee sign the RS-30 for his/!ger file and give a copy to him/her.
Verify refugee participation, cooperation in VT/ES and acceptance of
employment through Agency Contact Log and provider's
system for job search verification and the 90 day follow-up.
- On an ongoing basis, the provider Mutt determine if the client is
failing to p8r11c3pa1e./c000erate with their Attendance Policy or ES
Agreement.
- Providers xhaI3 lerminate voluntary refugees who fail to
c000+-rate/participate from services. Voluntary clients that are
lerminated from services or* not to be given any RRP training/services
for a 90 day period. The provider shall notify the CIU of each
teMiAttion via the RS-3A. The client is to be notified of his/her
termination vie the RS-24. fee-entry into services must be through the
Clu.
D-6
(Revised 3/90)
i
- Providers shall retain and serve mandatory clients reported for
noncooperation/nonparticipat ion until they receive notice that the
client has been sanctioned, good cause has been found, a fair hearing
decision has overruled the proposed sanction or on the date the client
would have completed services had he/she continued to participate,
whichever comes first.
- Using the RS-3A all service providers must report daily to the CIU any
failure to participate or cooperate. The service providers must refer
the client to the CIU for each and every instance of violation of their
Attendance Policy CRS-28) or Employment Services Agreement CRS-273 or
Worksite Agreement. A copy of the policy or agreement signed by the
refugee prior to enrollment, is to be sent to the CIU along with the
RS-3A and all other pertinent information and documentation. This shall
include, but not be limited to:
o The signed Attendance Policy (RS-28); Employment Services Agreement
(RS-27); Worksite Agreement; and Explanation of Work Registration
(RS-3D);
o Daily contact logs in the client's case file;
o Attendance logs/records;
o Telephone call documentation;
o Documentation of f ace-te-face client conversation with provider;
o All written correspondence; and
o Any other pertinent data or records available.
Failure to participate or cooperate in training (ESL and VT/VESL) is
defined as:
o Refusal to sign the Attendance Policy;
o Absences or tardiness which are equal to or exceed those specified in
the Attendance Policy;
o Dangerous and/or disruptive conduct; and
o Failure to function at a training site et a level consistent with
prior experience, training, or education.
- Failure to participate in or cooperate with the VT/ES or ES is defined
as:
o Refusal to sign the Employment Services Agreement;
o Failure of the client to appear for an employment appraisal or a
scheduled reappraisal interview;
o Refusal of a referral to employment;
o Refusal of an offer of employment;
o Refusal to report to work after hire;
o Voluntary quit or discharge from job;
o Failure to report back in person to the VT/ES or ES provider every two
weeks; and
o Failure to complete job search/job club activities as required by the
\'T/ES or ES vrovider es specified in the ES Agreement signed by the
refugee.
C-�
(Revised /SCJ
r
- Report job placements to the CIU using the RS-3A on the day that the
refugee reports to work.
- The VT, ES, providers must also track the client for 90 day
Job retention.
- If the client has not Ucome employed within the 90 day period
immediately following the completion of VT training, the provider must
refer the client to the CIV for reassessment.
- Emoloymtnt status changes (quit, lay=off, fired, raise in pay, etc.)
must be reported Immediately ton the same day the provider learns of the
change) to the CIU via the RS-3A when the provider becomes aware of it
through the 90 day retention tracking or by any other means.
- Report completions of training to the CIU by the iSth and 30th of each
montt, using the PS-3A.
- Continues to provide the full range of ES services to a RCA mandatory
casn assistance client k►ho is-tmoloved less then 30 hours ger week until
such time as the client is placed into a full-time Job or a Job of 30 or
more hours per veek. The number of job searches for the RCA wandet:.r
in this situation may be reduced to five (S) every two weeks. RCA
s►anoatory clienis working less than 30 hours per week must continue to
perticipate in training and employment to remain eligible for cash
assistance.
- Provides part-time employability services to i nonexempt RCA recipient
who Issesployed 30 hours a week or less, provided that such services do
not interfere with the recipient's Job.
- Maintains all documents and records as delineated above.
- Participates in lair hearings when necessary.
- Proviges information to the CIU regarding the olient's compliance with
the conciliation plan provided by the CO on the RS-38.
Complies with the requirements regarding the RESS Child
Care/Transportation/Ancillary Payment System.
1>- 10
nLI.GUulIC11l z
ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAM
This Refugee Employment Social Services ESL Supplemental Program is designed
to expand and enrich a basic ESL program at an adult school. The adult school
administrative funds will cover instructors' salaries and general classroom
overhead costs, and the KESS supplemental funds will-cover the costs of the
additional record keeping, the bilingual instructors' aide's salaries, and any
additional expenses involved in developing and,administering a specialised
curriculum which will meet the needs of refugee students. The following
program definition outlines expectations of the County in providing RESS
funding for this supplemental ESL program:
A. Definition
1. The RESS -English-As-a-Second Language (ESL) program will consist
of English language instruction specifically designed to meet the
special needs of foreign-born adults who have experienced the
trauma and dislocation associated with fleeing their native
countries and entering the United States as refugees.
2. The KESS-ESL program will emphasize language training which
addresses the specific social and economic needs of refugees to
learn English rapidly and obtain and maintain a job in the United
States. In addition, the program will assist refugees to develop
mastery of basic life skills necessary for them to function
proficiently in American society.
3. To the extent possible, the RESS-ESL program will be correlated
with the Mainstream English Language Training (KELT) core curricu-
lum developed by the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. The
MELT-ESL curriculum is taught in refugee processing centers over-
seas. Refugees, particularly those from Southeast Asia, receive
six months of KELT-ESL instruction prior to their arrival in the
U.S.
4. The local KESS-ESL program should be a continuation of the MELT
system with some variation in order to respond to local socio-
economic conditions.
5. The 1993/94 EBL Curriculum will be revised to emphasize
early employment. Class exercises will -inform students
about recent AFDC policy changes which give financial
advantages to AFDC recipients who accept jobs. In
addition, refugees will be encouraged to attend
vocational and job training classes concurrently with
ESL.
B. General Requirements
1. ESL classes will be located. in West County at a site or sites
convenient to public transportation.
2. The primary method of instruction will be in English with
bilingual support as needed in the Lao and Vietnamese languages.
3. Staff with primary teaching responsibility will be certified ESL
0 instructors.
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4. Since the majority of refugees in West Contra Costa County have a
low level of literacy in their own language, as well as low
proficiency in English, classes will be offered in preliterate
ESL, beginning ESL, and intermediate SSL.
5. Priority enrollment will be the refugee who is preliterate or has
low English skills and for whom bilingual education is
appropriate.
6. The ESL curriculum used by ESL provider should be correlated to
the MELT Core Curriculum and should be leveled consistent with the
levels described in the MELT/SPL manual. The ESL provider should
provide instruction in both preliterate and survival English. ESL
provider should serve clients with SPLs 0-5.
7. There should be at least 17 1/2 hours per week of classroom
training.
8. ESL program instruction provided should result in a student
advancing at least two SPL levels for each six months of
instruction.
9. The course cannot exceed the RFP contract period.
10. An ESL completion (credit toward goals) is when:
(1) a refugee who enters ESL at SPL level 0-2
achieves SPL level 3;
(2) a refugee who enters ESL at SPL level 3-5 achieves SPL
level 6;
(3) a refugee is referred by the CIU to the VT/VESL or ES
component;
(4) a refugee becomes employed.
The ESL provider is required to verify and document all disen-
rollments which are to be counted as completions. YM: Con-
current enrollment in ESL and ES is not counted as a completion.
11. The ESL provider must refer all refugees completing ESL training
to the CIU for post-testing.
12. The ESL provider must give a sample copy of the Attendance Policy
to the CIU.
13. All clients served• and completing training must be recipients of
cash assistance or in Matching Grant status.
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14. The administration or management office of the ESL provider should
be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in order to
receive CIU referrals and conduct business except for those holi-
days included. in the ESL provider's contract.
15. The ESL provider shall terminate voluntary clients from services
who fail to cooperate/participate with the provider's attendance
policy. Once a voluntary client is terminated from services,
he/she may not be served again for 90 days.
16. The ESL provider must cooperate with the CWD in providing informa-
tion regarding the client's compliance with his/her conciliation
plan.
17. The ESL provider must cooperate with the CWD and CIU in providing
information for the payment of Supportive Services payments.
18. It is not a requirement that the ESL vrovider iprovide personal
counseling services. The primary job responsibility of ESL
bilingual instructional aide is to assist the teacher in the
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classroom to teach English to the students and to keep necessary
records. The ESL provider should refer clients needing personal
counseling services to the TA-funded Social Adjustment component
or to another appropriate resource. Students needing employment
or vocational counseling should be referred to their respective
Case Managers, i.e., for RCA students, the CIU Worker; for AFDC
students, their GAIN CM; for GA students, their Vocational Coun-
selor; and for MG students, their Resettlement Agency CM.
19. The ESL provider must obtain a Memorandum of Understanding from
an Adult School verifying that instructor's salaries and general
overhead costs will provided by the Adult School.
C. Record-Keeping Reguirements
Each month the ESL provider must accurately complete the Monthly Activ-
ity Report (listing all students enrolling and terminating from the
program) and the RS-15 summary report and must submit copies to the CWD
Refugee Program Analyst by the 10th of the following month. Completions
may be verified by noting how verification was acquired in the
"Comments", section of the Monthly Activity Report.
The provider must complete monitoring questionnaires and any subsequent
reports which may be required because of program changes or RIPS
mandates. Otherwise record-keeping and case file requirements will
depend upon the type of cash assistance the participant is receiving.
of
1. For AFDC/GAIN Clients:
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(a) No case file is required;
(b) No attendance record keeping nor progress reporting is
required, assuming that the adult school affiliate has
an automated system for reporting this information.
(c) The ESL provider will need to monitor progress of
students only to the extent that they need to iden-
tify which students are ready for BEST testing to be
completed from the program or to be referred to
another component.
2. For Matchina-Grant Clients:
(a) No case file is required;
(b) Limited attendance and progress reporting as requested
by the Resettlement Agency Case Manager.
3. F2r RCA and GA clients, the full range of student progress/atten-
dance monitoring and record-keeping functions are required of the
ESL providers. These requirements are as follows:
(a) The ESL service provider must comply with the RCA
Mandatory Work Registration and Sanctioning System as
outlined in Attachment D.
(b) The ESL provider must review the Explanation of the
Mandatory Work Registration Requirements (RS-30) with
each mandatory RCA client, require the client to sign
the RS-30 and place a copy in the client's file.
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(c) For each mandatory RCA client, the ESL provider must
use the Attendance Policy form (RS-28) or a county-
approved substitute. The RS-28 includes the following
requirements:
•♦ An absence of three (3) consecutive days or more
from ESL due to illness must be supported by a
licensed doctor's signed verification.
♦• Cumulative absences (both excused and unexcused)
of 10 percent or more of the days necessary to
complete training will be considered nonpartici-
pation/noncooperation and shall be reported to
the CIU via the RS-3A.
•• An illness (even if supported by a doctor's
verification) of one or more weeks that prevents
the refugee from participating in training must
result in the provider's referring him/her back
to the CIU for reassessment. Attendance
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requirements must be explained to the -client in
a language he/she understands and it copy of the
Attendance Policy (RS-28) must be given to the
refugee prior to the first class. Verification
that attendance requirements have been explained
and the refugee has received a copy of the RS-28
prior to enrollment must be maintained in the
refugee's case file. A copy signed by the
refugee must also be maintained in the case
file.
D. The BSL provider must maintain individual client case files for RCA, GA
cases. Each case file must contain a written case narrative in addition
to the following forms and information:
♦♦ Copy of RS-38 stating the terms of the client's conciliation
plan.
♦♦ Copy of completed application for services (RS-1).
♦♦ Documentation of refugee status.
♦♦ Copy of completed referral form(s) (RS-3As) .
♦• Client or agency contact log documenting activities and
timelines concerning client participant/cooperation in
services.
♦♦ For mandatory RCA clients, a signed copy of the Explanation
of the Mandatory work Registration Requirements (RS-30) .
♦• Copy of Attendance Policy signed by the refugee.
♦• Copy of the BEST/SPL results for initial referral and post-
test result.
•• Copy of attendance records, progress reports, test and
quizzes, etc.
♦♦ Copies of any documents forwarded to the CIU regarding
nonparticipation/noncooperation with a clear notation as
to which ones were forwarded.
♦♦ Copies of all doctor's verification of illness.
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♦� Copies of all documents and correspondence related to the
case,
♦o Verification of BSL completions.
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