PROPOSED RULES
SOCIAL AD HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(WorkFirst Division)
Original Notice.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule: WAC 388-466-0030 Refugee resettlement services; and repealing WAC 388-15-360, 388-55-024, 388-55-027, and 388-55-050.
Purpose: To comply with federal law in order to continue to meet federal refugee funding requirements.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.20A.310.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.20A.310.
Summary: ORIA believes that the new rule will be more efficient and easier to understand and will result in better customer service.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Efficiency, customer service.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Olga Walker, ORIA Program Manager, P.O. Box 45420, Olympia, WA 98504-5420, (360) 413-3285.
Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.
Rule is necessary because of federal law, C.F.R. Title 45 §400.81, §400.77, §400.82, §400.145.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: ORIA believes that the new rule will be more efficient and easier to understand and will result in better customer service.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Repealing WAC 388-15-360, 388-55-024, 388-55-027, and 388-55-050; and adding a new section to chapter 388-466 WAC.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This change does not meet the requirements for a small business economic impact statement.
RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. This is not a significant legislative rule under RCW 34.05.328.
Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento Restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104-B, Lacey, WA 98503, on September 5, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kelly Cooper, DSHS Rules Coordinator, by August 29, 2000, phone (360) 664-6094, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail coopekd@dshs.wa.gov.
Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, DSHS Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, fax (360) 664-6185, by September 5, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than September 6, 2000.
July 27, 2000
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit
2797.3(1) What are Refugee resettlement services?
Refugee resettlement services provided to eligible refugees may include information and referral, employment oriented case management, job development, job placement, job retention, skills training, on-the-job training, counseling and orientation, English as a second language, and vocational English training.
(2) Who is required to participate in refugee resettlement services?
Refugees receiving refugee cash assistance (RCA) are required to participate and are priority clients for refugee employment and training services.
(3) If I am a mandatory participant, what activities am I required to participate in?
You are required to:
(a) Register with your employment service provider;
(b) Accept and participate in an employment opportunities, training or referrals determined appropriate by the department.
(4) What happens if I do not follow these requirements?
If you refuse without good reason to cooperate with the requirements, you are subject to the following penalties:
(a) If you are applying for refugee cash and medical assistance, you will be ineligible for thirty days from the date of your refusal to accept work or training opportunity; or
(b) If you are already receiving refugee cash and medical assistance, your cash benefits will be terminated on the first day of the month following the date of the original refusal.
(c) The department will notify your voluntary agency (VOLAG) if financial penalties take place.
(5) What are the penalties to my grant?
(a) If the assistance unit includes other individuals, as well as yourself, the cash grant is reduced by the sanctioned refugee's amount for three months after the first occurrence. For the second occurrence the financial penalty continues for the remainder of the sanctioned refugee's eight-month eligibility period.
(b) If you are the only person in the assistance unit your cash grant is terminated for three months after the first occurrence. For the second occurrence, your grant is terminated for the remainder of your eight-month eligibility period.
(6) How can I avoid the penalties?
You can avoid the penalties, if you accept employment or training before the effective date of cash termination. You will continue to receive assistance without interruption, providing that you continue to meet eligibility requirements.
(7) What is considered a good reason for not being able to follow the requirements?
You have a good reason if it was not possible for you to stay on the job or to follow through on a required activity due to an event outside of your control. See WAC 388-310-1600(3) for examples.
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The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 388-15-360 | Refugee assistance. |
| WAC 388-55-024 | Noncompliance with work and training requirements. |
| WAC 388-55-027 | Good cause determination. |
| WAC 388-55-050 | Refugee social service eligibility. |