1998 Minnesota Statutes

     256.736 Employment and training programs. 

    Subdivision 1. Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 14 art 9 s 78 subd 1 

    Subd. 1a.    Definitions.  As used in this section and 
 section 256.7365, the following words have the meanings given 
 them: 

    (a) "AFDC"  means aid to families with dependent children. 

    (b) "AFDC-UP" or "two-parent family" means that group of 
 AFDC clients who are eligible for assistance by reason of 
 unemployment as defined by the commissioner under section 
 256.12, subdivision 14. 

    (c) "Caretaker" means a parent or eligible adult, including 
 a pregnant woman, who is part of the assistance unit that has 
 applied for or is receiving AFDC. 

    (d) "Case manager" means the county agency's employment and 
 training service provider who provides the services identified 
 in sections 256.736 to 256.739 according to subdivision 12. 

    (e) "Employment and training services" means programs, 
 activities, and services related to job training, job placement, 
 and job creation, including job service programs, Job Training 
 Partnership Act programs, wage subsidies, remedial and secondary 
 education programs, post-secondary education programs excluding 
 education leading to a post-baccalaureate degree and vocational 
 education programs, job search, counseling, case management, 
 community work experience programs, displaced homemaker 
 programs, self-employment programs, grant diversion, employment 
 experience programs, youth employment programs, community 
 investment programs, refugee employment and training programs, 
 and counseling and support activities necessary to stabilize the 
 caretaker or the family. 

    (f) "Employment and training service provider" means a 
 public, private, or nonprofit agency certified by the 
 commissioner of economic security to deliver employment and 
 training services under section 268.0122, subdivision 3, and 
 section 268.871, subdivision 1. 

    (g) "Minor parent" means a person who is under age 18 who 
 is either the birth parent of a minor child or children in the 
 assistance unit and who is under the age of 18 or is eligible 
 for AFDC as a pregnant woman. 

    (h) "Targeted groups" or "targeted caretakers" means 
 recipients of AFDC or AFDC-UP designated as priorities for 
 employment and training services under subdivision 16. 

    (i) "Suitable employment" means employment which:  

    (1) is within the recipient's physical and mental capacity; 

    (2) meets health and safety standards established by the 
 Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the department 
 of economic security; 

    (3) pays hourly gross earnings which are not less than the 
 federal or state minimum wage for that type of employment, 
 whichever is applicable; 

    (4) does not result in a net loss of income.  Employment 
 results in a net loss of income when the income remaining after 
 subtracting necessary work-related expenses from the family's 
 gross income, which includes cash assistance, is less than the 
 cash assistance the family was receiving at the time the offer 
 of employment was made.  For purposes of this definition, "work 
 expenses" means the amount withheld or paid for; state and 
 federal income taxes; social security withholding taxes; 
 mandatory retirement fund deductions; dependent care costs; 
 transportation costs to and from work at the amount allowed by 
 the Internal Revenue Service for personal car mileage; costs of 
 work uniforms, union dues, and medical insurance premiums; costs 
 of tools and equipment used on the job; $1 per work day for the 
 costs of meals eaten during employment; public liability 
 insurance required by an employer when an automobile is used in 
 employment and the cost is not reimbursed by the employer; and 
 the amount paid by an employee from personal funds for business 
 costs which are not reimbursed by the employer; 

    (5) offers a job vacancy which is not the result of a 
 strike, lockout, or other bona fide labor dispute; 

    (6) requires a round trip commuting time from the 
 recipient's residence of less than two hours by available 
 transportation, exclusive of the time to transport children to 
 and from child care; 

    (7) does not require the recipient to leave children under 
 age 12 unattended in order to work, or if child care is 
 required, such care is available; and 

    (8) does not discriminate at the job site on the basis of 
 age, sex, race, color, creed, marital status, status with regard 
 to public assistance, disability, religion, or place of national 
 origin. 

    (j) "Support services" means programs, activities, and 
 services intended to stabilize families and individuals or 
 provide assistance for family needs related to employment or 
 participation in employment and training services, including 
 child care, transportation, housing assistance, personal and 
 family counseling, crisis intervention services, peer support 
 groups, chemical dependency counseling and treatment, money 
 management assistance, and parenting skill courses. 

    Subd. 1b. Repealed, 1990 c 568 art 4 s 85 

    Subd. 2. Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 14 art 9 s 78 subd 1 

    Subd. 2a. Repealed, 1990 c 568 art 4 s 85 

    Subd. 3.    Registration.  (a) To the extent permissible 
 under federal law, every caretaker or child is required to 
 register for employment and training services, as a condition of 
 receiving AFDC, unless the caretaker or child is: 

    (1) a child who is under age 16, a child age 16 or 17 who 
 is attending elementary or secondary school or a secondary level 
 vocational or technical school full time; 

    (2) ill, incapacitated, or age 60 or older; 

    (3) a person for whom participation in an employment and 
 training service would require a round trip commuting time by 
 available transportation of more than two hours; 

    (4) a person whose presence in the home is required because 
 of illness or incapacity of another member of the household; 

    (5) a caretaker or other caretaker relative of a child 
 under the age of three who personally provides full-time care 
 for the child.  In AFDC-UP cases, only one parent or other 
 relative may qualify for this exemption; 

    (6) a caretaker or other caretaker relative personally 
 providing care for a child under six years of age, except that 
 when child care is arranged for or provided, the caretaker or 
 caretaker relative may be required to register and participate 
 in employment and training services up to a maximum of 20 hours 
 per week.  In AFDC-UP cases, only one parent or other relative 
 may qualify for this exemption; 

    (7) a pregnant woman, if it has been medically verified 
 that the child is expected to be born within the next six 
 months; 

    (8) employed at least 30 hours per week; or 

    (9) an individual added to an assistance unit as an 
 essential person under section 256.74, subdivision 1, who does 
 not meet the definition of a "caretaker" as defined in 
 subdivision 1a, paragraph (c). 

    (b) To the extent permissible by federal law, applicants 
 for benefits under the AFDC program are registered for 
 employment and training services by signing the application 
 form.  Applicants must be informed that they are registering for 
 employment and training services by signing the form.  Persons 
 receiving benefits on or after July 1, 1987, shall register for 
 employment and training services to the extent permissible by 
 federal law.  The caretaker has a right to a fair hearing under 
 section 256.045 with respect to the appropriateness of the 
 registration. 

    Subd. 3a.    Participation.  (a) Participation in 
 employment and training services under this section is limited 
 to the following recipients:  

    (1) caretakers who are required to participate in a job 
 search under subdivision 14; 

    (2) custodial parents who are subject to the school 
 attendance or case management participation requirements under 
 subdivision 3b; and 

    (3) after the county agency assures the availability of 
 employment and training services for recipients identified under 
 clauses (1) and (2), and to the extent of available resources, 
 any other AFDC recipient. 

    (b) Participants who are eligible and enroll in the STRIDE 
 program under one of the categories of this subdivision are 
 required to cooperate with the assessment and employability plan 
 development and to meet the terms of their employability plan.  
 Failure to comply, without good cause, shall result in the 
 imposition of sanctions as specified in subdivision 4, clause 
 (6). 

    Subd. 3b.    Mandatory assessment and school attendance 
 for certain custodial parents.  This subdivision applies to 
 the extent permitted under federal law and regulation. 

    (a)    Definitions.  The definitions in this paragraph 
 apply to this subdivision. 

    (1) "Custodial parent" means a recipient of AFDC who is the 
 natural or adoptive parent of a child living with the custodial 
 parent. 

    (2) "School" means: 

    (i) an educational program which leads to a high school 
 diploma.  The program or coursework may be, but is not limited 
 to, a program under the post-secondary enrollment options of 
 section 124D.09, a regular or alternative program of an 
 elementary or secondary school, a technical college, or a 
 college; 

    (ii) coursework for a general educational development (GED) 
 diploma of not less than six hours of classroom instruction per 
 week; or 

    (iii) any other post-secondary educational program that is 
 approved by the public school or the county agency.  

    (b)    Assessment and plan; requirement; content.  The 
 county agency must examine the educational level of each 
 custodial parent under the age of 20 to determine if the 
 recipient has completed a high school education or its 
 equivalent.  If the custodial parent has not completed a high 
 school education or its equivalent and is not exempt from the 
 requirement to attend school under paragraph (c), the county 
 agency must complete an individual assessment for the custodial 
 parent.  The assessment must be performed as soon as possible 
 but within 60 days of determining AFDC eligibility for the 
 custodial parent.  The assessment must provide an initial 
 examination of the custodial parent's educational progress and 
 needs, literacy level, child care and supportive service needs, 
 family circumstances, skills, and work experience.  In the case 
 of a custodial parent under the age of 18, the assessment must 
 also consider the results of the early and periodic screening, 
 diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) screening, if available, and the 
 effect of a child's development and educational needs on the 
 parent's ability to participate in the program.  The county 
 agency must advise the parent that the parent's first goal must 
 be to complete an appropriate educational option if one is 
 identified for the parent through the assessment and, in 
 consultation with educational agencies, must review the various 
 school completion options with the parent and assist the parent 
 in selecting the most appropriate option. 

    (c)    Responsibility for assessment and plan.  For 
 custodial parents who are under age 18, the assessment and the 
 employability plan must be completed by the county social 
 services agency, as specified in section 257.33.  For custodial 
 parents who are age 18 or 19, the assessment and employability 
 plan must be completed by the case manager.  The social services 
 agency or the case manager shall consult with representatives of 
 educational agencies required to assist in developing 
 educational plans under section 124D.331. 

    (d)    Education determined to be appropriate.  If the 
 case manager or county social services agency identifies an 
 appropriate educational option, it must develop an employability 
 plan in consultation with the custodial parent which reflects 
 the assessment.  The plan must specify that participation in an 
 educational activity is required, what school or educational 
 program is most appropriate, the services that will be provided, 
 the activities the parent will take part in including child care 
 and supportive services, the consequences to the custodial 
 parent for failing to participate or comply with the specified 
 requirements, and the right to appeal any adverse action.  The 
 employability plan must, to the extent possible, reflect the 
 preferences of the participant. 

    (e)    Education determined to be not appropriate.  If 
 the case manager determines that there is no appropriate 
 educational option for a custodial parent who is age 18 or 19, 
 the case manager shall indicate the reasons for the 
 determination.  The case manager shall then notify the county 
 agency which must refer the custodial parent to the project 
 STRIDE program for completion of an employability plan and 
 mandatory participation in employment and training services.  If 
 the custodial parent fails to participate or cooperate with 
 employment and training services and does not have good cause 
 for the failure, the county agency shall apply the sanctions 
 listed in subdivision 4, beginning with the first payment month 
 after issuance of notice.  If the county social services agency 
 determines that school attendance is not appropriate for a 
 custodial parent under age 18, the county agency shall refer the 
 custodial parent to social services for services as provided in 
 section 257.33. 

    (f)    School attendance required.  Notwithstanding 
 subdivision 3, a custodial parent must attend school if all of 
 the following apply: 

    (1) the custodial parent is less than 20 years of age; 

    (2) transportation services needed to enable the custodial 
 parent to attend school are available; 

    (3) licensed or legal nonlicensed child care services 
 needed to enable the custodial parent to attend school are 
 available; 

    (4) the custodial parent has not already received a high 
 school diploma or its equivalent; and 

    (5) the custodial parent is not exempt because the 
 custodial parent: 

    (i) is ill or incapacitated seriously enough to prevent 
 attendance at school; 

    (ii) is needed in the home because of the illness or 
 incapacity of another member of the household; this includes a 
 custodial parent of a child who is younger than six weeks of 
 age; 

    (iii) works 30 or more hours a week; or 

    (iv) is pregnant if it has been medically verified that the 
 child's birth is expected within the next six months. 

    (g)    Enrollment and attendance.  The custodial parent 
 must be enrolled in school and meeting the school's attendance 
 requirements.  If enrolled, the custodial parent is considered 
 to be attending when the school is not in regular session, 
 including during holiday and summer breaks. 

    (h)    Good cause for not attending school.  The county 
 agency shall not impose the sanctions in subdivision 4 if it 
 determines that a custodial parent has good cause for not being 
 enrolled or for not meeting the school's attendance 
 requirements.  The county agency shall determine whether good 
 cause for not attending or not enrolling in school exists, 
 according to this paragraph: 

    (1) Good cause exists when the county agency has verified 
 that the only available school program requires round trip 
 commuting time from the custodial parent's residence of more 
 than two hours by available means of transportation, excluding 
 the time necessary to transport children to and from child care. 

    (2) Good cause exists when the custodial parent has 
 indicated a desire to attend school, but the public school 
 system is not providing for the education and alternative 
 programs are not available. 

    (i)    Failure to comply.  The case manager and social 
 services agency shall establish ongoing contact with appropriate 
 school staff to monitor problems that custodial parents may have 
 in pursuing their educational plan and shall jointly seek 
 solutions to prevent parents from failing to complete 
 education.  If the school notifies the county agency that the 
 custodial parent is not enrolled or is not meeting the school's 
 attendance requirements, or appears to be facing barriers to 
 completing education, the information must be conveyed to the 
 case manager for a custodial parent age 18 or 19, or to the 
 social services agency for a custodial parent under age 18.  The 
 case manager or social services agency shall reassess the 
 appropriateness of school attendance as specified in paragraph 
 (f).  If after consultation, school attendance is still 
 appropriate and the case manager or social services agency 
 determines that the custodial parent has failed to enroll or is 
 not meeting the school's attendance requirements and the 
 custodial parent does not have good cause, the case manager or 
 social services agency shall inform the custodial parent's 
 financial worker who shall apply the sanctions listed in 
 subdivision 4 beginning with the first payment month after 
 issuance of notice. 

    (j)    Notice and hearing.  A right to notice and fair 
 hearing shall be provided in accordance with section 256.045 and 
 the Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 205.10. 

    (k)    Social services.  When a custodial parent under 
 the age of 18 has failed to attend school, is not exempt, and 
 does not have good cause, the county agency shall refer the 
 custodial parent to the social services agency for services, as 
 provided in section 257.33. 

    (l)    Verification.  No less often than quarterly, the 
 financial worker must verify that the custodial parent is 
 meeting the requirements of this subdivision.  Notwithstanding 
 section 13.32, subdivision 3, when the county agency notifies 
 the school that a custodial parent is subject to this 
 subdivision, the school must furnish verification of school 
 enrollment, attendance, and progress to the county agency.  The 
 county agency must not impose the sanctions in paragraph (i) if 
 the school fails to cooperate in providing verification of the 
 minor parent's education, attendance, or progress. 

    Subd. 3c.    Minor parents not living with relatives.  
 (a) This subdivision applies to a minor parent who is not living 
 with a parent or other adult relative and who is not living in a 
 group or foster home licensed by the commissioner.  

    (b) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms 
 have the meanings given them: 

    (1) "Minor parent" means an applicant for or recipient of 
 AFDC who is under age 18, and who is the natural or adoptive 
 parent of a child living with the minor parent. 

    (2) "Other adult relative" means a person who qualifies to 
 be an eligible relative caretaker for AFDC, as specified in 
 federal regulations. 

    (c) The agency shall determine, for each minor parent who 
 applies for or receives AFDC, whether this section applies.  For 
 a minor parent to whom this section applies, the county agency 
 shall refer the minor parent to its social services unit within 
 30 days of the date the application for assistance is approved 
 for development of a social service plan as required in section 
 257.33.  The agency shall notify the minor parent of the 
 referral to social services and that cooperation in developing 
 and participating in a social service plan is required in order 
 for AFDC eligibility to continue.  

    (d) In addition to meeting the requirements of section 
 257.33, the social service plan may, based upon the social 
 service unit's evaluation of the minor caretaker's needs and 
 parenting abilities, and the health, safety, and parenting needs 
 of the minor caretaker's child, require the minor caretaker to 
 live in a group or foster home or participate in available 
 programs which teach skills in parenting or independent living. 

    (e) If the minor parent fails to cooperate in developing or 
 participating in the social service plan, the social services 
 unit shall notify the income maintenance unit of the county 
 agency, which shall then notify the minor parent of the 
 determination and of the sanctions in subdivision 4 that will be 
 applied. 

    Subd. 4.    Conditions of certification.  The 
 commissioner of human services shall: 

    (1) in consultation with the commissioner of children, 
 families, and learning, arrange for or provide any caretaker or 
 child who participates in employment and training services 
 pursuant to this section with child-care services, 
 transportation, and other necessary family services; 

    (2) provide that in determining a recipient's needs the 
 additional expenses attributable to participation in a program 
 are taken into account in grant determination to the extent 
 permitted by federal regulation; 

    (3) provide that the county board shall impose the 
 sanctions in clause (4) when the county board: 

    (a) determines that a custodial parent under the age of 16 
 who is required to attend school under subdivision 3b has, 
 without good cause, failed to attend school; or 

    (b) determines that subdivision 3c applies to a minor 
 parent and the minor parent has, without good cause, failed to 
 cooperate with development of a social service plan or to 
 participate in execution of the plan, to live in a group or 
 foster home, or to participate in a program that teaches skills 
 in parenting and independent living; 

    (4) to the extent permissible by federal law, impose the 
 following sanctions for a recipient's failure to participate in 
 the requirements of subdivision 3b or 3c: 

    (a) for the first failure, 50 percent of the grant provided 
 to the family for the month following the failure shall be made 
 in the form of protective or vendor payments; 

    (b) for the second and subsequent failures, the entire 
 grant provided to the family must be made in the form of 
 protective or vendor payments.  Assistance provided to the 
 family must be in the form of protective or vendor payments 
 until the recipient complies with the requirement; and 

    (c) when protective payments are required, the county 
 agency may continue payments to the caretaker if a protective 
 payee cannot reasonably be found; 

    (5) provide that the county board shall impose the 
 sanctions in clause (6) when the county board: 

    (a) determines that a caretaker or child required to 
 participate in employment and training services has been found 
 by the employment and training service provider to have failed 
 without good cause to participate in appropriate employment and 
 training services, to comply with the recipient's employability 
 development plan, or to have failed without good cause to 
 accept, through the job search program described in subdivision 
 14, or the provisions of an employability development plan if 
 the caretaker is a custodial parent age 18 or 19 and subject to 
 the requirements of subdivision 3b, a bona fide offer of public 
 or other employment; 

    (b) determines that a custodial parent aged 16 to 19 who is 
 required to attend school under subdivision 3b has, without good 
 cause, failed to enroll or attend school; or 

    (c) determines that a caretaker has, without good cause, 
 failed to attend orientation; 

    (6) to the extent required by federal law, impose the 
 following sanctions for a recipient's failure to participate in 
 required employment and training services, to comply with the 
 recipient's employability development plan, to accept a bona 
 fide offer of public or other employment, to enroll or attend 
 school under subdivision 3b, or to attend orientation: 

    (a) for the first failure, the needs of the noncompliant 
 individual shall not be taken into account in making the grant 
 determination, until the individual complies with the 
 requirements; 

    (b) for the second failure, the needs of the noncompliant 
 individual shall not be taken into account in making the grant 
 determination until the individual complies with the requirement 
 or for three consecutive months, whichever is longer; 

    (c) for subsequent failures, the needs of the noncompliant 
 individual shall not be taken into account in making the grant 
 determination until the individual complies with the requirement 
 or for six consecutive months, whichever is longer; 

    (d) aid with respect to a dependent child who has been 
 sanctioned under this paragraph shall be continued for the 
 parent or parents of the child if the child is the only child 
 receiving aid in the family, the child continues to meet the 
 conditions of section 256.73, and the family is otherwise 
 eligible for aid; 

    (e) if the noncompliant individual is a parent or other 
 relative caretaker, payments of aid for any dependent child in 
 the family must be made in the form of protective or vendor 
 payments.  When protective payments are required, the county 
 agency may continue payments to the caretaker if a protective 
 payee cannot reasonably be found.  When protective payments are 
 imposed on a two-parent family, cash payments may continue to 
 the caretaker in the assistance unit who remains eligible for 
 AFDC, subject to paragraph (g); 

    (f) if, after removing a caretaker's needs from the grant, 
 only dependent children remain eligible for AFDC, the standard 
 of assistance shall be computed using the special children 
 standard; 

    (g) if the noncompliant individual is a parent in a 
 two-parent family and the other parent is not participating in 
 an approved employment and training service, the needs of both 
 parents must not be taken into account in making the grant 
 determination; and 

    (7) request approval from the secretary of health and human 
 services to use vendor payment sanctions for persons listed in 
 paragraph (5), clause (b).  If approval is granted, the 
 commissioner must begin using vendor payment sanctions as soon 
 as changes to the state plan are approved. 

    Subd. 4a.    Notice, conciliation, and right of appeal.  
 If the employment and training service provider determines that 
 the caretaker has failed or refused, without good cause, to 
 cooperate or accept employment, the employment and training 
 service provider shall issue to the caretaker a written notice 
 of its determination of noncooperation or refusal to accept 
 employment.  The notice must include a detailed explanation of 
 the reason for the determination and must specify the 
 consequences for failure or refusal to cooperate or accept 
 employment, the actions which the employment and training 
 service provider believes are necessary for the caretaker to 
 comply with the employment and training program, and the right 
 to request, within ten days of the date the notice was mailed or 
 hand delivered, a conciliation conference.  The employment and 
 training service provider or the county agency must conduct a 
 conciliation conference within five days of a timely request.  
 If the dispute between the employment and training service 
 provider and the caretaker is not resolved in the conciliation 
 conference or a request for a conciliation conference is not 
 made within the required time, the employment and training 
 service provider shall notify the county board of a caretaker's 
 failure without good cause to cooperate or accept employment.  
 Unless the county agency has evidence to the contrary, the 
 county agency shall implement the sanction provisions of 
 subdivision 4.  Any determination, action, or inaction on the 
 part of the county board relating to a caretaker's participation 
 under this section is subject to the notice and hearing 
 procedures in section 256.045, and Code of Federal Regulations, 
 title 45, section 205.10. 

    Subd. 5.    Extension of employment and training 
 opportunities.  The commissioner of human services shall 
 cooperate with the commissioner of economic security and the 
 commissioner of trade and economic development to extend the 
 availability of training and employment opportunities on a 
 statewide basis and to assist local employment advisory groups 
 convened under this subdivision.  The county welfare agency may 
 convene an employment advisory group which shall include but not 
 be limited to representatives from the local chamber of 
 commerce, from major area employers, from private and public 
 collective bargaining units who shall be represented by their 
 exclusive representatives, from secondary and post-secondary 
 educational institutions in the community, and from job services 
 offices operated by the commissioner of economic security under 
 chapter 268.  The county welfare agency shall work with the 
 local employment advisory group to maximize the job 
 opportunities for welfare clients.  In a county where a private 
 industry council has been established, the county welfare agency 
 may work with the council to maximize job opportunities in lieu 
 of or in addition to convening an employment advisory group. 

    Subd. 6.    Protection from garnishment.  Earnings of a 
 caretaker while participating in full or part-time employment or 
 training shall be protected from garnishment.  This protection 
 shall extend for a period of six months from the date of 
 termination of a caretaker's grant of assistance. 

    Subd. 7.    Rulemaking.  The commissioner of human 
 services, in cooperation with the commissioner of economic 
 security, may adopt rules necessary to qualify for any federal 
 funds available under this section and to carry out this section.

    Subd. 8. Repealed, 1990 c 568 art 4 s 85 

    Subd. 9.    Changes in state plan and rules; waivers.  
 The commissioner of human services shall make changes in the 
 state plan and rules or seek any waivers or demonstration 
 authority necessary to minimize barriers to participation in the 
 employment and training services or to employment.  Changes must 
 be sought in at least the following areas:  allowances, child 
 care, work expenses, the amount and duration of earnings 
 incentives, medical care coverage, limitations on the hours of 
 employment, and administrative standards and procedures.  The 
 commissioner shall implement each change as soon as possible.  
 Before implementing any demonstration project or a program that 
 is a result of a waiver, the conditions under section 256.01, 
 subdivision 1, clause (12), must be met, and the chair of the 
 senate family services committee and the chair of the house of 
 representatives health and human services committee must be 
 notified. 

    Subd. 10.    County duties.  (a) To the extent of 
 available state appropriations, county boards shall:  

    (1) refer all mandatory and eligible volunteer caretakers 
 permitted to participate under subdivision 3a to an employment 
 and training service provider for participation in employment 
 and training services; 

    (2) identify to the employment and training service 
 provider the target group of which the referred caretaker is a 
 member, if any, and whether the person's participation is 
 mandatory or voluntary; 

    (3) provide caretakers with an orientation which meets the 
 requirements in subdivisions 10a and 10b; 

    (4) work with the employment and training service provider 
 to encourage participation in employment and training services; 

    (5) work with the employment and training service provider 
 to collect data as required by the commissioner; 

    (6) to the extent permissible under federal law, require 
 all caretakers coming into the AFDC program to attend 
 orientation; 

    (7) encourage caretakers to develop a plan to obtain 
 self-sufficiency; 

    (8) notify the commissioner of the caretakers who 
 participate in employment and training services; 

    (9) inform appropriate caretakers of opportunities 
 available through the head start program and encourage 
 caretakers to have their children screened for enrollment in the 
 program where appropriate; 

    (10) provide transportation assistance using available 
 funds to caretakers who participate in employment and training 
 programs; 

    (11) ensure that the required services of orientation, 
 services to custodial parents under the age of 20 who have not 
 completed high school or an equivalent program, job search, 
 educational activities, and work experience for two-parent 
 families are made available to appropriate caretakers under this 
 section, and that services are provided to volunteer caretakers 
 to the extent resources permit; 

    (12) explain in its local service unit plan under section 
 268.88 how it will ensure that caretakers determined to be in 
 need of social services are provided with such social services.  
 The plan must specify how the case manager and the county social 
 service workers will ensure delivery of needed services; 

    (13) to the extent allowed by federal laws and regulations, 
 provide a job search program as defined in subdivision 14, a 
 community work experience program as defined in section 256.737, 
 grant diversion as defined in section 256.739, and on-the-job 
 training as defined in section 256.738.  A county may also 
 provide another work and training program approved by the 
 commissioner and the secretary of the United States Department 
 of Health and Human Services.  Planning and approval for 
 employment and training services listed in this clause must be 
 obtained through submission of the local service unit plan as 
 specified under section 268.88.  A county is not required to 
 provide a community work experience program if the county agency 
 is successful in placing at least 60 percent of the monthly 
 average of all caretakers who are subject to the job search 
 requirements of subdivision 14 in grant diversion or on-the-job 
 training program; 

    (14) prior to participation, provide an assessment of each 
 AFDC recipient who is required or volunteers to participate in 
 an approved employment and training service.  The assessment 
 must include an evaluation of the participant's (i) educational, 
 child care, and other supportive service needs; (ii) skills and 
 prior work experience; and (iii) ability to secure and retain a 
 job which, when wages are added to child support, will support 
 the participant's family.  The assessment must also include a 
 review of the results of the early and periodic screening, 
 diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) screening and preschool 
 screening under chapter 121A, if available; the participant's 
 family circumstances; and, in the case of a custodial parent 
 under the age of 18, a review of the effect of a child's 
 development and educational needs on the parent's ability to 
 participate in the program; 

    (15) develop an employability development plan for each 
 recipient for whom an assessment is required under clause (14) 
 which: 

    (i) reflects the assessment required by clause (14); 

    (ii) takes into consideration the recipient's physical 
 capacity, skills, experience, health and safety, family 
 responsibilities, place of residence, proficiency, child care 
 and other supportive service needs; 

    (iii) is based on available resources and local employment 
 opportunities; 

    (iv) specifies the services to be provided by the 
 employment and training service provider; 

    (v) specifies the activities the recipient will participate 
 in, including the worksite to which the caretaker will be 
 assigned, if the caretaker is subject to the requirements of 
 section 256.737, subdivision 2; 

    (vi) specifies necessary supportive services such as child 
 care; 

    (vii) reflects the effort to arrange mandatory activities 
 so that the activities do not interfere with access to available 
 English as a second language classes and to the extent possible, 
 reflects the preferences of the participant; 

    (viii) includes a written agreement between the county 
 agency and the caretaker that outlines a reasonable schedule for 
 completing the plan, including specific completion deadlines, 
 and confirms that 

    (A) there is a market for full-time employees with this 
 education or training where the caretaker will or is willing to 
 reside upon completion of the program; 

    (B) the average wage level for employees with this 
 education or training is greater than the caretaker can earn 
 without this education or training; 

    (C) the caretaker has the academic ability to successfully 
 complete the program; and 

    (D) there is a reasonable expectation that the caretaker 
 will complete the training program based on such factors as the 
 caretaker's previous education, training, work history, current 
 motivation, and changes in previous circumstances; and 

    (ix) specifies the recipient's long-term employment goal 
 which shall lead to self-sufficiency.  Caretakers shall be 
 counseled to set realistic attainable goals, taking into account 
 the long-term needs of the caretaker and the caretaker's family; 

    (16) provide written notification to and obtain the written 
 concurrence of the appropriate exclusive bargaining 
 representatives with respect to job duties covered under 
 collective bargaining agreements and assure that no work 
 assignment under this section or sections 256.737, 256.738, and 
 256.739, or the Minnesota parent's fair share mandatory 
 community work experience program results in:  (i) termination, 
 layoff, or reduction of the work hours of an employee for the 
 purpose of hiring an individual under this section or sections 
 256.737, 256.738, and 256.739; (ii) the hiring of an individual 
 if any other person is on layoff from the same or a 
 substantially equivalent job; (iii) any infringement of the 
 promotional opportunities of any currently employed individual; 
 (iv) the impairment of existing contracts for services or 
 collective bargaining agreements; or (v) except for on-the-job 
 training under section 256.738, a participant filling an 
 established unfilled position vacancy.  If an exclusive 
 bargaining representative and a county or public service 
 employer disagree regarding whether job duties are covered under 
 a collective bargaining agreement, the exclusive bargaining 
 representative or the county or public service employer may 
 petition the bureau of mediation services, and the bureau shall 
 determine if the job duties are covered by a collective 
 bargaining agreement; 

    (17) assess each caretaker in a two-parent family who is 
 under age 25, has not completed high school or a high school 
 equivalency program, and who would otherwise be required to 
 participate in a work experience placement under section 256.737 
 to determine if an appropriate secondary education option is 
 available for the caretaker.  If an appropriate secondary 
 education option is determined to be available for the 
 caretaker, the caretaker must, in lieu of participating in work 
 experience, enroll in and meet the educational program's 
 participation and attendance requirements.  "Secondary 
 education" for this paragraph means high school education or 
 education designed to prepare a person to qualify for a high 
 school equivalency certificate, basic and remedial education, 
 and English as a second language education.  A caretaker 
 required to participate in secondary education who, without good 
 cause, fails to participate shall be subject to the provisions 
 of subdivision 4a and the sanction provisions of subdivision 4, 
 clause (6).  For purposes of this clause, "good cause" means the 
 inability to obtain licensed or legal nonlicensed child care 
 services needed to enable the caretaker to attend, inability to 
 obtain transportation needed to attend, illness or incapacity of 
 the caretaker or another member of the household which requires 
 the caretaker to be present in the home, or being employed for 
 more than 30 hours per week; and 

    (18) provide counseling and other personal follow-up 
 support as needed for up to six months after the participant 
 loses AFDC eligibility to assist the person to maintain 
 employment or to secure new employment. 

    (b) Funds available under this subdivision may not be used 
 to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. 

    (c) A county board may provide other employment and 
 training services that it considers necessary to help caretakers 
 obtain self-sufficiency. 

    (d) Notwithstanding section 256G.07, when a target 
 caretaker relocates to another county to implement the 
 provisions of the caretaker's written employability development 
 plan approved by the county human service agency, or its 
 employment and training service provider, the county that 
 approved the plan is responsible for the costs of services 
 required to carry out the plan.  The county agency's 
 responsibility for the costs ends when all plan obligations have 
 been met, when the caretaker loses AFDC eligibility for at least 
 30 days, or when approval of the plan is withdrawn for a reason 
 stated in the plan, whichever occurs first.  Responsibility for 
 the costs of child care must be determined under chapter 119B.  
 A county human service agency may pay for the costs of child 
 care and other services required in an approved employability 
 development plan when the nontarget caretaker relocates to 
 another county or when a target caretaker again becomes eligible 
 for AFDC after having been ineligible for at least 30 days. 

    Subd. 10a.    Orientation.  (a) Each county agency must 
 provide an orientation to all caretakers within its jurisdiction 
 in the time limits described in this paragraph:  

    (1) within 60 days of being determined eligible for AFDC 
 for caretakers who are permitted to volunteer for services under 
 subdivision 3a; or 

    (2) within 30 days of being determined eligible for AFDC 
 for caretakers who are required to participate in services under 
 subdivision 3a. 

    (b) Caretakers are required to attend an in-person 
 orientation if the caretaker is a member of one of the groups 
 listed in subdivision 3a, paragraph (a), unless the caretaker is 
 exempt from registration under subdivision 3 and the caretaker's 
 exemption basis will not expire within 60 days of being 
 determined eligible for AFDC, or the caretaker is enrolled at 
 least half time in any recognized school, training program, or 
 institution of higher learning and the in-person orientation 
 cannot be scheduled at a time that does not interfere with the 
 caretaker's school or training schedule.  The county agency 
 shall require attendance at orientation of caretakers described 
 in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b) or (c), if the commissioner 
 determines that the groups are eligible for participation in 
 employment and training services. 

    (c) The orientation must consist of a presentation that 
 informs caretakers of: 

    (1) the identity, location, and phone numbers of employment 
 and training and support services available in the county; 

    (2) the types and locations of child care services 
 available through the county agency that are accessible to 
 enable a caretaker to participate in educational programs or 
 employment and training services; 

    (3) the child care resource and referral program designated 
 by the commissioner providing education and assistance to select 
 child care services and a referral to the child care resource 
 and referral when assistance is requested; 

    (4) the obligations of the county agency and service 
 providers under contract to the county agency; 

    (5) the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of 
 participants; 

    (6) the grounds for exemption from mandatory employment and 
 training services or educational requirements; 

    (7) the consequences for failure to participate in 
 mandatory services or requirements, including the requirement 
 that volunteer participants comply with their employability 
 development plan; 

    (8) the method of entering educational programs or 
 employment and training services available through the county; 

    (9) the availability and the benefits of the early and 
 periodic, screening, diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) program and 
 preschool screening under chapter 121A; 

    (10) their eligibility for transition year child care 
 assistance when they lose eligibility for AFDC due to their 
 earnings; 

    (11) their eligibility for extended medical assistance when 
 they lose eligibility for AFDC due to their earnings; 

    (12) the availability of the federal earned income tax 
 credits and the state working family tax credits; and 

    (13) the availability and benefits of the Head Start 
 program. 

    (d) All orientation programs should provide information to 
 caretakers on parenting, nutrition, household management, food 
 preparation, and other subjects relevant to promoting family 
 integration and self-sufficiency and provide detailed 
 information on community resources available for training 
 sessions on these topics. 

    (e) Orientation must encourage recipients to view AFDC as a 
 temporary program providing grants and services to individuals 
 who set goals and develop strategies for supporting their 
 families without AFDC assistance.  The content of the 
 orientation must not imply that a recipient's eligibility for 
 AFDC is time limited.  Orientation may be provided through 
 audio-visual methods, but the caretaker must be given an 
 opportunity for face-to-face interaction with staff of the 
 county agency or the entity providing the orientation, and an 
 opportunity to express the desire to participate in educational 
 programs and employment and training services offered through 
 the county agency. 

    (f) County agencies shall not require caretakers to attend 
 orientation for more than three hours during any period of 12 
 continuous months.  The county agency shall also arrange for or 
 provide needed transportation and child care to enable 
 caretakers to attend. 

    The county or, under contract, the county's employment and 
 training service provider shall mail written orientation 
 materials containing the information specified in paragraph (c), 
 clauses (1) to (3) and (8) to (13), to each caretaker exempt 
 from attending an in-person orientation or who has good cause 
 for failure to attend after at least two dates for their 
 orientation have been scheduled.  The county or the county's 
 employment and training service provider shall follow up with a 
 phone call or in writing within two weeks after mailing the 
 material. 

    (g) Persons required to attend orientation must be informed 
 of the penalties for failure to attend orientation, support 
 services to enable the person to attend, what constitutes good 
 cause for failure to attend, and rights to appeal.  Persons 
 required to attend orientation must be offered a choice of at 
 least two dates for their first scheduled orientation.  No 
 person may be sanctioned for failure to attend orientation until 
 after a second failure to attend. 

    (h) Good cause for failure to attend an in-person 
 orientation exists when a caretaker cannot attend because of:  

    (1) temporary illness or injury of the caretaker or of a 
 member of the caretaker's family that prevents the caretaker 
 from attending an orientation during the hours when the 
 orientation is offered; 

    (2) a judicial proceeding that requires the caretaker's 
 presence in court during the hours when orientation is 
 scheduled; or 

    (3) a nonmedical emergency that prevents the caretaker from 
 attending an orientation during the hours when orientation is 
 offered.  "Emergency" for the purposes of this paragraph means a 
 sudden, unexpected occurrence or situation of a serious or 
 urgent nature that requires immediate action.  

    (i) Caretakers must receive a second orientation only when: 

    (1) there has been a 30-day break in AFDC eligibility; and 

    (2) the caretaker has not attended an orientation within 
 the previous 12-month period, excluding the month of 
 reapplication for AFDC. 

    Subd. 10b. Repealed, 1996 c 465 art 3 s 45 

    Subd. 11. Repealed, 1996 c 465 art 3 s 45 

    Subd. 12.    Employment and training service provision.  
 (a) Counties may directly employ case managers to provide the 
 employment and training services in this section if the county 
 is certified as an employment and training service provider 
 under section 268.0122, or may contract for services with a 
 certified employment and training service provider.  Uncertified 
 counties and contracting agencies may provide services only if 
 they demonstrate the ability to coordinate employment, training, 
 education, and support services.  The commissioner of economic 
 security shall determine whether or not an uncertified county or 
 agency has demonstrated such ability. 

    (b) Counties that employ case managers must ensure that the 
 case managers have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform 
 the variety of tasks described in this section.  Counties that 
 contract with another agency for services must specify in the 
 contract the skills and knowledge needed by the case managers.  
 At a minimum, case managers must: 

    (1) have a thorough knowledge of training, education, and 
 employment opportunities; 

    (2) have training or experience in understanding the needs 
 of AFDC clients and their families; and 

    (3) be able to formulate creative individualized 
 employability development plans. 

    Subd. 13. Repealed, 1996 c 465 art 3 s 45 

    Subd. 14.    Job search.  (a) Each county agency must 
 establish and operate a job search program as provided under 
 this section.  Unless all caretakers in the household are 
 exempt, one nonexempt caretaker in each two-parent AFDC 
 household must be referred to and begin participation in the job 
 search program within 30 days of being determined eligible for 
 AFDC.  If the assistance unit contains more than one nonexempt 
 caretaker, the caretakers may determine which caretaker shall 
 participate.  The designation may be changed only once annually 
 at the annual redetermination of eligibility.  If no designation 
 is made or if the caretakers cannot agree, the county agency 
 shall designate the caretaker having earned the greater of the 
 incomes, including in-kind income, during the 24-month period 
 immediately preceding the month of application for AFDC benefits 
 as the caretaker that must participate.  When no designation is 
 made or the caretakers cannot agree and neither caretaker had 
 earnings or the earnings were identical for each caretaker, then 
 the county agency shall designate the caretaker who must 
 participate.  A caretaker is exempt from job search 
 participation if: 

    (1) the caretaker is exempt from registration under 
 subdivision 3, except that the second caretaker cannot be exempt 
 to provide child care or care to an ill or incapacitated 
 household member if the first caretaker is sanctioned for 
 failure to comply or is exempt under any other exemption 
 category, provided the first caretaker is capable of providing 
 the needed care; or 

    (2) the caretaker is under age 25, has not completed a high 
 school diploma or an equivalent program, and is participating in 
 a secondary education program as defined in subdivision 10, 
 paragraph (a), clause (17), which is approved by the employment 
 and training service provider in the employability development 
 plan. 

    (b) The job search program must provide four consecutive 
 weeks of job search activities for no less than 20 hours per 
 week but not more than 32 hours per week.  The employment and 
 training service provider shall specify for each participating 
 caretaker the number of weeks and hours of job search to be 
 conducted and shall report to the county agency if the caretaker 
 fails to cooperate with the job search requirement.  A person 
 for whom lack of proficiency in English, as determined by an 
 appropriate evaluation, is a barrier to employment, can choose 
 to attend an available intensive, functional work literacy 
 program for a minimum of 20 hours in place of the 20 hours of 
 job search activities.  The caretaker's employability 
 development plan must include the length of time needed in the 
 program, specific outcomes, attendance requirements, completion 
 dates, and employment goals as they pertain to the intensive 
 literacy program. 

    (c) The job search program may provide services to 
 caretakers who are not in two-parent families. 

    (d) After completion of job search requirements in this 
 section, if the caretaker is not employed, nonexempt caretakers 
 shall be placed in and must participate in and cooperate with 
 the work experience program under section 256.737, the 
 on-the-job training program under section 256.738, or the grant 
 diversion program under section 256.739.  Caretakers must be 
 offered placement in a grant diversion or on-the-job training 
 program, if either such employment is available, before being 
 required to participate in a community work experience program 
 under section 256.737.  When a nonexempt caretaker fails to 
 cooperate with the job search program, the work experience 
 program, the on-the-job training program, or the community work 
 experience program and is subject to the sanction provisions of 
 subdivision 4, the second caretaker in the assistance unit, 
 unless exempt, must also be removed from the grant unless that 
 second caretaker has been referred to and has started 
 participating in the job search program and subsequently in the 
 work experience program, the on-the-job training program, or the 
 community work experience program prior to the date the sanction 
 begins for the first caretaker.  The second caretaker is 
 ineligible for AFDC until the first caretaker's sanction ends or 
 the second caretaker cooperates with the requirements. 

    (e) The commissioner may require that, to the extent of 
 available resources and provided the second caretaker is 
 proficient in English, both caretakers in a two-parent AFDC 
 family where all children are over age six and are not in 
 kindergarten participate in job search and work experience.  A 
 caretaker shall be determined proficient in English if the 
 county agency, or its employment and training service provider, 
 determines that the person has sufficient English language 
 capabilities to become suitably employed.  

    If, as of July 1, 1996, the second caretaker is enrolled in 
 a post-secondary education or training program that is limited 
 to one year and can reasonably be expected to lead to 
 employment, the second caretaker is exempt from job search and 
 work experience for a period of one year or until the caretaker 
 stops attending the post-secondary program, whichever is shorter.

    Subd. 15.    Reporting.  The commissioner of human 
 services, in cooperation with the commissioner of economic 
 security shall develop reporting requirements for county 
 agencies and employment and training service providers according 
 to section 256.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (17).  Reporting 
 requirements must, to the extent possible, use existing client 
 tracking systems and must be within the limits of funds 
 available.  The requirements must include summary information 
 necessary for state agencies and the legislature to evaluate the 
 effectiveness of the services.  

    Subd. 16. Repealed, 1997 c 85 art 1 s 74 

    Subd. 17. Repealed, 1990 c 568 art 4 s 85 

    Subd. 18. Repealed, 1997 c 85 art 1 s 74 

    Subd. 19.    Evaluation.  In order to evaluate the 
 services provided under this section, the commissioner may 
 randomly assign no more than 2,500 families to a control group.  
 Families assigned to the control group shall not participate in 
 services under this section, except that families participating 
 in services under this section at the time they are assigned to 
 the control group may continue such participation.  Recipients 
 assigned to the control group who are included under subdivision 
 3a, paragraph (a), shall be guaranteed child care assistance 
 under chapter 119B for an educational plan authorized by the 
 county.  Once assigned to the control group, a family must 
 remain in that group for the duration of the evaluation period.  
 The evaluation period shall coincide with the demonstration 
 authorized in section 256.031, subdivision 3. 

    Subd. 20.    Special provisions for persons participating 
 in educational programs.  The provisions of this subdivision 
 are applicable to all STRIDE participants, including those 
 subject to subdivision 3b and section 256.737. 

    (a) For recipients eligible to participate under 
 subdivision 3b who are enrolled in a high school equivalency 
 program on a full-time basis, there is no work requirement.  
 Individuals who are enrolled part time in a high school 
 equivalency program must take classroom instruction for at least 
 six hours per week, meet the attendance and satisfactory 
 progress requirements as defined by the employment and training 
 service provider in consultation with the provider of the high 
 school equivalency program, and concurrently work a monthly 
 average of not less than 64 hours in employment paying at least 
 minimum wage or in documented volunteer work.  Hours spent 
 assisting at a licensed day care center shall count toward the 
 weekly hours needed to fulfill the employment or volunteer 
 requirement.  "Volunteer work" shall include attendance at 
 parenting skill classes.  Failure to comply, without good cause, 
 with this requirement shall result in the imposition of 
 sanctions as specified in subdivision 4, clause (6). 

    (b) Concurrent with participation in post-secondary 
 education or training approved in an employability development 
 plan under subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clause (15), the 
 participant must work at a minimum the number of hours per month 
 prescribed by this subdivision in employment paying at least 
 minimum wage or in documented volunteer work for a public or 
 nonprofit agency and agree to search for and accept any offer of 
 suitable employment upon completion of the education or 
 training.  For individuals who are participating in an 
 educational program under this paragraph on a full-time basis as 
 determined by the institution, there is no work requirement.  
 For individuals participating in an educational program on a 
 part-time basis as determined by the institution, the number of 
 hours that a participant must work shall be increased or 
 decreased in inverse proportion to the number of credit hours 
 being taken, with a maximum of eight hours weekly of work.  
 Hours spent assisting at a licensed day care center shall count 
 towards the weekly hours needed to fulfill the employment or 
 volunteer requirement.  "Volunteer work" shall include 
 attendance at parenting skill classes. 

    HIST: 1969 c 567 s 1; 1969 c 750 s 1; 1973 c 254 s 3; 1974 c 
 498 s 1,2; 1977 c 430 s 15-18; 1980 c 509 s 100; 3Sp1981 c 3 s 
 9,10; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1985 c 252 s 9,10; 1Sp1985 c 14 art 
 9 s 17-22; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 403 art 3 s 4-21; 1Sp1987 c 4 art 
 2 s 4; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 130-134; 1989 c 89 s 7; 1989 c 246 s 
 2; 1989 c 282 art 5 s 25-34; 1Sp1989 c 1 art 16 s 2; 1990 c 426 
 art 2 s 1; 1990 c 568 art 4 s 3-13,84; 1991 c 292 art 5 s 22; 
 1993 c 4 s 26,27; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 6 s 9-13; art 9 s 16; 1994 c 
 465 art 3 s 7; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1995 c 178 art 2 s 8-15; 1995 c 
 207 art 5 s 4,5; 1996 c 465 art 3 s 16-23; 1997 c 7 art 2 s 42; 
 art 5 s 28; 1997 c 85 art 3 s 4; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3 

*   NOTE:  Subdivision 11 was also amended by Laws 1996, 
*chapter 412, article 4, section 25, to read as follows:  

*   "Subd. 11.    Case management services.  (a) The county 
*agency may, to the extent of available resources, enroll 
*targeted caretakers described in subdivision 16 in case 
*management services and for those enrolled shall: 

*   (1) Provide an assessment as described in subdivision 10, 
*paragraph (a), clause (14).  As part of the assessment, the case 
*manager shall inform caretakers of the screenings available 
*through the early periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment 
*(EPSDT) program under chapter 256B and preschool screening under 
*chapter 123, and encourage caretakers to have their children 
*screened.  The case manager must work with the caretaker in 
*completing this task; 

*   (2) Develop an employability development plan as described 
*in subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clause (15).  The case manager 
*must work with the caretaker in completing this task.  For 
*caretakers who are not literate or who have not completed high 
*school, the first goal for the caretaker should be to complete 
*literacy training or a general equivalency diploma.  Caretakers 
*who are literate and have completed high school shall be 
*counseled to set realistic attainable goals, taking into account 
*the long-term needs of both the caretaker and the caretaker's 
*family; 

*   (3) Coordinate services such as child care, transportation, 
*and education assistance necessary to enable the caretaker to 
*work toward the goals developed in clause (2).  The case manager 
*shall refer caretakers to resource and referral services, if 
*available, and shall assist caretakers in securing appropriate 
*child care services.  When a client needs child care services in 
*order to attend a Minnesota public or nonprofit college, 
*university or technical college, the case manager shall contact 
*the appropriate agency to reserve child care funds for the 
*client.  A caretaker who needs child care services in order to 
*complete high school or a general equivalency diploma is 
*eligible for child care under sections 119B.01 to 119B.16; 

*   (4) Develop, execute, and monitor a contract between the 
*county agency and the caretaker.  The contract must be based 
*upon the employability development plan described in subdivision 
*10, paragraph (a), clause (15), but must be a separate 
*document.  It must include:  (a) specific goals of the caretaker 
*including stated measurements of progress toward each goal, the 
*estimated length of participation in the program, and the number 
*of hours of participation per week; (b) educational, training, 
*and employment activities and support services provided by the 
*county agency, including child care; and (c) the participant's 
*obligations and the conditions under which the county will 
*withdraw the services provided; 

*   The contract must be signed and dated by the case manager 
*and participant and may include other terms as desired or needed 
*by either party.  In all cases, however, the case manager must 
*assist the participant in reviewing and understanding the 
*contract and must ensure that the caretaker has set forth in the 
*contract realistic goals consistent with the ultimate goal of 
*self-sufficiency for the caretaker's family; and 

*   (5) Develop and refer caretakers to counseling or peer 
*group networks for emotional support while participating in 
*work, education, or training. 

*   (b) In addition to the duties in paragraph (a), for minor 
*parents and pregnant minors, the case manager shall: 

*   (1) Ensure that the contract developed under paragraph (a), 
*clause (4), considers all factors set forth in section 257.33, 
*subdivision 2; 

*   (2) Assess the housing and support systems needed by the 
*caretaker in order to provide the dependent children with 
*adequate parenting.  The case manager shall encourage minor 
*parents and pregnant minors who are not living with friends or 
*relatives to live in a group home or foster care setting.  If 
*minor parents and pregnant minors are unwilling to live in a 
*group home or foster care setting or if no group home or foster 
*care setting is available, the case manager shall assess their 
*need for training in parenting and independent living skills and 
*when appropriate shall refer them to available counseling 
*programs designed to teach needed skills; and 

*   (3) Inform minor parents or pregnant minors of, and assist 
*them in evaluating the appropriateness of, the graduation 
*incentives program under section 126.22, including 
*post-secondary enrollment options, and the employment-related 
*and community-based instruction programs.  

*   (c) A caretaker may request a conciliation conference to 
*attempt to resolve disputes regarding the contents of a contract 
*developed under this section or a housing and support systems 
*assessment conducted under this section.  The caretaker may 
*request a hearing pursuant to section 256.045 to dispute the 
*contents of a contract or assessment developed under this 
*section.  The caretaker need not request a conciliation 
*conference in order to request a hearing pursuant to section 
*256.045."