Part 20.
TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION
Chapter 847.
PROJECT RIO EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES
The Texas Workforce Commission (Commission) proposes amendments to
the following sections of Chapter 847 related to Project RIO Employment Activities
and Support Services:
Subchapter A. General Provisions, §§847.1-847.3
Subchapter B. Project RIO Job Seeker Responsibilities, §847.11 and §847.12
Subchapter C. Project RIO Services, §847.21 and §847.22
Subchapter D. Project RIO Employment Activities, §847.31
Subchapter E. Project RIO Support Services, §847.41
PART I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND AUTHORITY
PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS
PART III. IMPACT STATEMENTS
PART IV. COORDINATION ACTIVITIES
PART I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND AUTHORITY
The purpose of the proposed Chapter 847 rules changes is to:
(1) implement the direction of House Bill (HB) 2837, enacted by the 79th
Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2005), concerning Project Reintegration
of Offenders (Project RIO);
(2) modify language referencing specific divisions of the Texas Department
of Criminal Justice (TDCJ);
(3) reflect revised funding strategies to support Project RIO service provision;
and
(4) remove provisions related to Local Workforce Development Board (Board)
responsibilities for the distribution of ex-offender documents.
HB 2837 directs increased data connectivity between the Texas workforce
system and its Project RIO partners-TDCJ and the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).
Additionally, the legislation directs the Windham School District, which is
responsible for providing academic and vocational training services in TDCJ
correctional institutions, to ensure that the training provided is targeted
to current and emerging job opportunities in the Texas labor market.
Because of TDCJ's reorganization, the proposed rules remove references
to TDCJ's specific organizational divisions and replace them with the more
generic terms, TDCJ "correctional institutions" and "supervising offices."
The previous funding strategy to support Project RIO service provision
relied heavily upon co-enrolling job seekers in Food Stamp Employment and
Training (FSE&T) services. Currently, Texas Workforce Center and satellite
office staff is encouraged to enroll Project RIO job seekers in the most appropriate
employment and support services for the individual. The proposed rules reflect
that co-enrollment continues to benefit Project RIO service provision; however,
language regarding specific reliance on FSE&T has been deleted.
TDCJ has assumed responsibility for the distribution of employment documents
(e.g., Social Security cards, birth certificates, DD214s [U.S. Department
of Defense form that evidences military service and separation circumstances],
driver's licenses) upon an individual's release from incarceration. Accordingly,
the proposed rules delete the reference to Boards performing this function.
PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS
(Note: Minor, nonsubstantive, editorial changes are made throughout Chapter
847 that do not change the meaning of the rules and, therefore, are not discussed
in the Explanation of Individual Provisions.)
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
§847.1. Purpose
The Commission proposes amending §847.1(a) by replacing references
to the TDCJ "State Jail Division facility" and "Institutional Division" facility
with the term TDCJ "correctional institution," both in this subsection and
throughout Chapter 847.
The Commission proposes amending language in §847.1(b) to specify
that the memorandum of understanding is between the Agency, TDCJ, and TYC.
The Commission proposes amending §847.1(c) to reflect new funding
strategies to support Project RIO service provision. Specific reference to
FSE&T funds is removed and replaced with a broader reference to integrating
Project RIO service provision with the full range of activities and services
available through the Texas workforce system.
§847.2. Definitions
The Commission proposes amending §847.2(1)(A) by replacing the reference
to the TDCJ "Institutional Division" with the collective reference TDCJ "correctional
institution," and deleting the reference to the TDCJ "Parole Division," referring
instead to "parole" supervision by TDCJ.
The Commission proposes deleting §847.2(1)(B), which stipulates the
eligibility of State Jail releasees for Project RIO services. Proposed §847.2(1)(A)
defines Project RIO job seekers as releasees from all classes of TDCJ correctional
institutions. Section 847.2(1)(C) is renumbered as §847.2(1)(B).
The Commission proposes amending §847.2(3), which defines TDCJ, by
removing references to the "Institutional, Parole, and State Jail Divisions,"
which are specific divisions of TDCJ.
The Commission proposes amending §847.2(4), which defines TYC, by
expanding the definition to include TYC's responsibilities for parole operations.
The Commission proposes deleting §847.2(5), which defines Food Stamp
Employment and Training. The Commission has broadened its use of resources
for serving ex-offenders and adjudicated youth; therefore, it is unnecessary
to define specific services.
The Commission proposes adding new §847.2(5) to define the Windham
School District, which provides prerelease educational and vocational training
services to adult offenders incarcerated in TDCJ correctional institutions.
This new definition is added in response to the provisions of HB 2837 and
the functions Windham School District performs in preparing offenders for
reentry into society.
§847.3. General Board Responsibilities
The Commission proposes amending §847.3(a) by requiring that individuals
referred as Project RIO job seekers also include "self-referred individuals."
In addition, proposed changes to this subsection include adding adjudicated
youth as part of the service population.
The Commission proposes amending §847.3(b) by replacing "General Equivalency
Diploma" with "General Educational Development (GED) credential."
The Commission proposes amending §847.3(c)(1), Parole Supervising
Offices, by replacing references to "Parole Division" with "TDCJ or TYC,"
and replacing references to "TDCJ Parole Offices" with "supervising office."
The Commission proposes amending §847.3(c)(2), TDCJ Institutional
Division, by retitling the paragraph "Correctional Institutions," which provides
a collective reference for TDCJ divisions. Further, the Commission proposes
incorporating coordination with TYC correctional institutions, as this process
is essentially similar to that required of TDCJ correctional institutions.
The Commission also proposes amending §847.3(c)(2) by removing the requirement
to provide results of Project RIO services to the TDCJ Institutional Division.
The Commission believes that this information is more properly provided to
the supervising office as set forth in §847.3(c)(1).
The Commission proposes deleting §847.3(c)(3), TDCJ State Jail Division.
Proposed §847.3(c)(2) includes the TDCJ State Jail Division in the collective
term "correctional institutions."
HB 2837 requires the coordination of educational and vocational training
efforts conducted by Windham School District and prioritizes efforts to assist
ex-offenders in securing employment related to their prerelease training.
The Commission proposes new §847.3(c)(3), Windham School District, which
states that Boards must coordinate on an ongoing and continuing basis with
the Windham School District by providing labor market information for their
local workforce development area, including current and emerging jobs. Additionally,
Boards must include the education and training received during incarceration
in the Project RIO job seeker's Individual Employment Plan in order to maximize
the number of training-related job referrals the Project RIO job seeker receives.
The Commission proposes deleting §847.3(c)(4) relating to coordination
with TYC Offices. Proposed §847.3(c)(1) and §847.3(c)(2) set forth
the coordination requirements with TYC correctional institutions and parole
offices; therefore, §847.3(c)(4) is no longer necessary.
The Commission proposes adding new §847.3(c)(4), which requires the
development of memoranda of understanding between Boards, TDCJ, TYC, and the
Windham School District pursuant to Project RIO service provision. Currently,
this requirement is contained in the Agency's funding instruments used to
support TDCJ, TYC, and Board Project RIO services. The proposed new paragraph
requires, at a minimum, that the memoranda of understanding must include referral
coordination, progress reporting, and the provision of labor market information
to the Windham School District.
The Commission proposes amending §847.3(d)(1) by removing the specific
references to "WIA Adult and Youth services and Food Stamp Employment and
Training (FSE&T)" services. The Commission's intent is to integrate Project
RIO services with all services available through the Texas Workforce Centers.
The Commission proposes deleting §847.3(d)(2), which requires that
Boards route employment documents, such as birth certificates and Social Security
cards, secured by TDCJ and TYC during incarceration to ex-offenders. TDCJ
and TYC have assumed this responsibility; therefore, it is no longer a requirement
of the Boards.
Section 847.3(d)(3), stipulating establishment of a parole point of contact,
is renumbered as §847.3(d)(2). The Commission proposes replacing the
reference to "the TDCJ Parole Division and the TYC" with the collective reference
"TDCJ and TYC supervising offices."
Section 847.3(d)(4), stipulating outreach of Project RIO job seekers at
TDCJ and TYC facilities, is renumbered as §847.3(d)(3). The Commission
proposes replacing the references to TDCJ "Parole Division" and TYC "facilities"
with the collective reference "TDCJ and TYC supervising offices."
Section 847.3(d)(5), stipulating Board participation in TDCJ job fairs/career
days, is renumbered as §847.3(d)(4). The Commission proposes amending
this paragraph by adding participation in TYC job fairs/career days and using
the collective reference to "correctional institutions."
Section 847.3(d)(6), stipulating the use of reporting and document management
systems, is renumbered as §847.3(d)(5). The Commission proposes amending
this paragraph to require the timely reporting of data reflecting Project
RIO service provision in order to ensure that the charge of HB 2837 is addressed.
Section 847.3(d)(7) and §847.3(d)(8) are renumbered as §847.3(d)(6)
and §847.3(d)(7), respectively.
The Commission proposes amending §847.3(f) by changing the paragraph
title from "TDCJ Notice" to "TDCJ and TYC Notice," thereby including notice
to TYC. Additionally, the collective term "supervising office" replaces the
specific reference to "TDCJ Parole Division."
Currently, §847.3(h) requires that employment referrals regarding
adjudicated youth be confidential. The Commission proposes expanding the requirement
to state that all information related to the adjudicated status of a youth
must be confidential and must not be disclosed to other entities or individuals.
SUBCHAPTER B. PROJECT RIO JOB SEEKER RESPONSIBILITIES
§847.11. Job Seeker Responsibilities
The Commission proposes deleting §847.11(1), which requires that Project
RIO job seekers complete and sign an application for food stamp benefits.
The proposed deletion of this requirement reflects the change in funding strategies
used to support Project RIO service provision. While the referral of most
Project RIO job seekers to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
(HHSC) for food stamp assistance is appropriate, the language in rule is no
longer necessary because the funding strategies do not explicitly rely upon
FSE&T resources.
Sections 847.11(2)-847.11(8) are renumbered as §§847.11(1)-847.11(7),
respectively.
§847.12. Job Seeker Failure to Comply
The Commission proposes amending §847.12 by deleting the phrase "referred
by TDCJ Parole Division" because not all job seekers are referred by supervising
offices. Further, the Commission proposes amending §847.12 by replacing
the specific reference to the "TDCJ Parole Division" and including the requirement
that the "TDCJ or TYC supervising office" be notified.
SUBCHAPTER C. PROJECT RIO SERVICES
§847.21. Job Seeker Assessment
The Commission proposes amending §847.21(b) by adding that assessments
also must include evaluations of "knowledge, skills, and abilities." In addition,
the Commission proposes amending §847.21(b)(4) by replacing the reference
to parole "officer" with "office." The Commission believes that this information
is more properly coordinated with the supervising office as set forth in §847.3(c)(1).
§847.22. Job Seeker Individual Employment Plan
The Commission proposes amending §847.22(1) by changing the reference
to TDCJ or TYC "facility" to the collective reference "correctional institution."
The Commission proposes amending §847.22(4) by changing the reference
to TYC "facility" to the collective reference "correctional institution."
SUBCHAPTER D. PROJECT RIO EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES
§847.31. Employment Activities for Project RIO Job Seekers
The Commission proposes deleting §847.31(a)(1) because the funding
strategy used to support Project RIO services has changed from an explicit
reliance on FSE&T resources to one in which Project RIO job seekers have
access to the full range of employment and training activities provided by
the Texas workforce system; therefore, this paragraph is no longer necessary.
Additionally, the Commission proposes removing §847.31(a)(2) and incorporating
the text in §847.31(a). Sections 847.31(a)(2)(A)-847.31(a)(2)(G) are
renumbered as §§847.31(a)(1)-847.31(a)(7).
The Commission proposes replacing the term "officer" with "office" in §847.31(b)(1).
The Commission also proposes to reorder the language in §847.31(c) for
better clarity.
SUBCHAPTER E. PROJECT RIO SUPPORT SERVICES
§847.41. Provision of Project RIO Support Services
The Commission proposes amending §847.41(a) by specifying that post-employment
needs are included as an allowable support service.
PART III. IMPACT STATEMENTS
Randy Townsend, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for each year
of the first five years the rules will be in effect, the following statements
will apply:
There are no additional estimated costs to the state and to local governments
expected as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.
There are no estimated reductions in costs to the state and to local governments
as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.
There are no estimated losses or increases in revenue to the state or to
local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.
There are no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenue of the
state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.
There are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with
the rules.
There is no anticipated adverse economic impact on small or microbusinesses
as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.
Mark Hughes, Director of Labor Market Information, has determined that
there is no significant negative impact upon employment conditions in the
state as a result of the rules.
The Agency hereby certifies that the proposed rules have been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be within the Agency's legal authority to adopt.
Luis M. Macias, Director of Workforce Development Division, has determined
that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public
benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the proposed rules will be to
better prepare Project RIO job seekers to meet the workforce needs of Texas
employers and to better meet Project RIO job seekers' needs for long-term
employment.
PART IV. COORDINATION ACTIVITIES
In the development of these rules for publication and public comment, the
Commission sought the involvement of each of Texas' 28 Boards and the TWC
Advisory Committee. The Commission provided the policy concept to each of
these groups for consideration and review. During the rulemaking process,
the Commission considered all information gathered in order to develop rules
that provide clear and concise direction to all parties involved.
Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to TWC Policy Comments,
Workforce and UI Policy, 101 East 15th Street, Room 440T, Austin, Texas 78778;
faxed to 512-475-3577; or e-mailed to TWCPolicyComments@twc.state.tx.us. The
Commission must receive comments postmarked no later than 30 days from the
date this proposal is published in the
Texas Register
.
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
40 TAC §§847.1 - 847.3
The rules are proposed under Texas Labor Code §301.0015
and §302.002(d), which provide the Texas Workforce Commission with the
authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for
the effective administration of Agency services and activities.
The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, particularly Chapters
301 and 302, as well as Texas Education Code, Chapter 19; Texas Labor Code,
Chapter 306; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.
§847.1.Purpose.
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of Project RIO is to provide a statewide
employment referral program designed to reintegrate into the labor force persons
sentenced to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
correctional
institution
[
(b)
Scope of Rules. The Project RIO standards and guidelines,
set forth in this chapter, address the roles and responsibilities of Boards
to ensure that Project RIO employment activities and support services are
available statewide through the Texas Workforce Centers consistent with 40
TAC Chapter 801 relating to the One-Stop Service Delivery Network. Project
RIO employment activities and support services are provided to adult and youth
offenders before release by [
(c)
Funding Integration. The Commission intends, to the greatest
extent possible, to integrate all available funding sources in the delivery
of Project RIO services, and support and expand Project RIO services by
ensuring that ex-offenders and adjudicated youth have access to the full range
of employment and training activities provided by the One-Stop Service Delivery
Network
[
§847.2.Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have
the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1)
Project RIO job seeker--an individual involved with the
Texas criminal or juvenile justice systems that may include the following:
(A)
Adults
[
[
(B)
[
(2)
Job Seeker Responsibility Agreement--an agreement between
the Project RIO job seeker and the Texas Workforce Center [
(3)
TDCJ--
the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice[
(4)
TYC--
the
Texas Youth Commission[
[
(5)
Windham School District--the
school district that is responsible for providing academic as well as career
and technology education to eligible offenders incarcerated in TDCJ correctional
institutions.
§847.3.General Board Responsibilities.
(a)
Role of Boards. A Board shall ensure that individuals referred
as Project RIO job seekers
by [
(b)
Board Planning. A Board shall develop, amend, and modify
its Integrated Plan to incorporate and coordinate the design and management
of the delivery of Project RIO employment activities and support services
with the delivery of other workforce employment, training, and educational
services identified in Texas Government Code §2308.251
et seq.
, Texas Government Code §2308.312
et seq.
, as well as other employment and training services included
in the One-Stop Service Delivery Network as set forth in Chapter 801 of this
title. The [
(c)
Board Coordination. The Boards shall coordinate with the
following entities to ensure the transition to employment of Project RIO job
seekers:
(1)
[
(2)
Correctional Institutions
[
[
(3)
Windham School District. Boards
shall coordinate on an ongoing and continuing basis with Windham School District
by providing labor market information related to their local workforce development
area (workforce area), including current and emerging jobs, in order that
Windham School District may better meet the needs of Texas employers through
education and training services. Additionally, Boards shall fully incorporate
in Project RIO job seekers' Individual Employment Plans the education and
training received during incarceration in order to maximize employment referrals
that are directly related to that education and training.
[
(4)
Memoranda of Understanding.
Pursuant to coordination efforts, Boards shall develop memoranda of understanding
with TDCJ, TYC, and the Windham School District establishing the systems,
structures, and processes for the provision of Project RIO services. The memoranda
of understanding must include, but are not limited to, procedures for the
following activities:
(A)
Referral coordination for parolees or adjudicated
youth;
(B)
Progress reporting related to job seeker status
and services received; and
(C)
The provision of labor market information to
the Windham School District.
(5)
Other Partners. For the purposes of ensuring that Project
RIO job seekers have the necessary support services available to them to enable
successful
entry
[
(d)
Service Delivery Strategies. A Board shall develop a Project
RIO Service Delivery Strategy that fully incorporates and ensures the following
elements:
(1)
The
[
[
(2)
[
(3)
[
(4)
[
(5)
[
(6)
[
(7)
[
(e)
Access to Project RIO Employment Activities and Support
Services. A Board shall ensure that the oversight and monitoring of program
requirements and participant activities occur on an ongoing basis, as determined
appropriate by the Board, and consist of the following:
(1)
tracking and reporting, as required by the Commission,
of employment activities and support services, including appropriate data
relating to referrals, placements, specialized on-the-job training, and completion
of training, such as GED completion, college credit and noncredit course accomplishments,
or other data, as applicable;
(2)
determining and arranging for any referrals to support
services needed to assist the Project RIO job seeker in complying with Project
RIO employment activities to address barriers to employment; and
(3)
ensuring progress toward achieving the goals and objectives
in the Project RIO job seeker's Individual Employment Plan, as set forth in §847.22
of this chapter, and the job seeker Responsibility Agreement, as set forth
in §847.3(i) of this section.
(f)
TDCJ
and TYC
Notice. A Board shall ensure that
notification to the
supervising office
[
(g)
Employer Notice. A Board shall ensure that employers are
informed at the time of the employment referral of the Project RIO job seeker's
status as an ex-offender and the availability of Work Opportunity Tax Credits
and
fidelity bonding
[
(h)
Youth Confidentiality.
All information regarding the
adjudicated status of a youth shall be held in strict confidence and shall
not be disclosed to any other entity or person.
A Board shall ensure
that employment referrals for adjudicated youth are made in accordance with
the confidentiality requirements set forth in state statutes, state rules,
and Commission policies.
(i)
Job Seeker Responsibility Agreement. Boards shall ensure
that the job seeker Responsibility Agreement is signed by the Project RIO
job seeker and the Texas Workforce Center [
(1)
is ready and able to seek employment;
(2)
will comply with all service requirements as
specified
[
(3)
will report for employment interviews at the scheduled
appointment time(s); and
(4)
will notify the Texas Workforce Center[
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been
reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority
to adopt.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on March 31, 2006.
TRD-200601954
Reagan Miller
Deputy Director for Workforce and UI Policy
Texas Workforce Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2006
For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829
40 TAC §847.11, §847.12
The rules are proposed under Texas Labor Code §301.0015
and §302.002(d), which provide the Texas Workforce Commission with the
authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for
the effective administration of Agency services and activities.
The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, particularly Chapters
301 and 302, as well as Texas Education Code, Chapter 19; Texas Labor Code,
Chapter 306; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.
§847.11.Job Seeker Responsibilities.
Project RIO job seekers shall:
[
(1)
[
(2)
[
(3)
[
(4)
[
(5)
[
(6)
[
(7)
[
§847.12.Job Seeker Failure to Comply.
Project RIO job seekers [
(1)
failing to report for two scheduled interviews;
(2)
turning down a position of employment that is consistent
with the skills possessed by the Project RIO job seeker;
(3)
quitting an employment activity without cause; or
(4)
being terminated from a job for misconduct.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been
reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority
to adopt.
Filed
with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 31, 2006.
TRD-200601955
Reagan Miller
Deputy Director for Workforce and UI Policy
Texas Workforce Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2006
For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829
40 TAC §847.21, §847.22
The rules are proposed under Texas Labor Code §301.0015
and §302.002(d), which provide the Texas Workforce Commission with the
authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for
the effective administration of Agency services and activities.
The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, particularly Chapters
301 and 302, as well as Texas Education Code, Chapter 19; Texas Labor Code,
Chapter 306; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.
§847.21.Job Seeker Assessment.
(a)
A Board shall ensure that initial and ongoing assessments
are performed to determine the employability and retention needs of Project
RIO job seekers.
(b)
Assessments shall include evaluations of
knowledge,
skills, and abilities as well as
[
(1)
information identified in the assessments provided by agency
partners, which
includes
[
(2)
other skills and abilities, employment, and educational
history in relation to employers' workforce needs in the local labor market;
(3)
support services needs; and
(4)
family circumstances that may affect participation, including
the existence of domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental illness, or
the need for parenting skills training, which, if identified, may require
coordination through the parole or contracted parole
office
[
(c)
Assessments shall result in the development of an Individual
Employment Plan, as described in §847.22 of this chapter.
§847.22.Job Seeker Individual Employment Plan.
Boards shall ensure that the Individual Employment Plan:
(1)
incorporates information provided by the referring agency
partner, including any individual employment planning provided while in a
TDCJ or TYC
correctional institution
[
(2)
identifies and coordinates the provision of services available
through the Texas Workforce Centers;
(3)
is based on assessments, as described in this chapter;
(4)
contains any prevocational goals established for Project
RIO - Youth participants while in a TYC
correctional institution
[
(5)
contains employment goals to meet the needs of the local
labor market;
(6)
allows Project RIO job seekers to find and secure employment
that
utilizes
[
(7)
meets the needs of employers by linking and matching the
skills of Project RIO job seekers to the job-skills requirements of the employers;
(8)
includes strategies for addressing barriers identified
in the assessment; and
(9)
is signed by the Project RIO job seeker.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been
reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority
to adopt.
Filed
with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 31, 2006.
TRD-200601956
Reagan Miller
Deputy Director for Workforce and UI Policy
Texas Workforce Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2006
For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829
State Jail Division facility or the Institutional
Division
] and persons committed to the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).
the
] TDCJ and [
the
] TYC.
Post-release employment activities and support services are provided through
the Texas Workforce Centers, and are designed to provide ex-offenders with
employment activities and support services that promote employment, meet the
needs of Texas employers, and help reduce recidivism. The provisions in this
chapter are intended to be consistent with Texas Labor Code, Chapter 306
;
[
,
] Texas Government Code §2308.312
;
[
,
] and the
Agency's memorandum of understanding
[
Memorandum
of Understanding
] with [
the
] TDCJ and [
the
] TYC.
leveraging the General Revenue appropriation for Project
RIO and federal FSE&T funds
].
adults
] who were
sentenced
to a
[
formerly confined by the
] TDCJ correctional
institution
[
Institutional Division
],
and
[
who
]
are within one year after their release from incarceration,
or
[
and
] are currently under
,
or within one year of completion
of their term of
parole
supervision by [
the
] TDCJ [
Parole Division
];
and
(B)
adults who were formerly confined
in a TDCJ State Jail facility and who are within one year after their release
from incarceration; and]
(C)
]
Adjudicated
[
adjudicated
] youth ages 16 through 21, seeking employment activities
and support services, who were formerly confined in a TYC
correctional
institution
[
facility
].
operator
]
or the Board's designated service provider. This agreement outlines the Project
RIO job seeker's responsibilities for continued enrollment in Project RIO
activities.
, which includes the Institutional, Parole, and State Jail Divisions,
]
is the state agency that manages the overall operations of the state's prison,
parole, and state jail systems.
, which
] is the state's juvenile corrections agency
that
[
,
] manages the overall operations of the state's youth
correctional
institutions and parole operations
[
facilities
].
(5)
Food Stamp Employment and
Training (FSE&T)--the activities and support services that assist food
stamp recipients in entering employment through participation in allowable
job search, training, education, or workfare activities that promote self-sufficiency.]
the
] TDCJ and [
the
]
TYC
, as well as self-referred individuals,
[
as Project RIO
job seekers
] participate in Project RIO employment activities and support
services, and other workforce activities and support services as appropriate.
The employment activities and support services, as defined in this chapter,
should meet the needs of local employers, prepare Project RIO job seekers
to compete in the labor market, and assist ex-offenders
and adjudicated
youth
in locating employment.
Texas Workforce
] Commission's [
(Commission)
]
intent is to assist Project RIO job seekers with securing employment as quickly
as possible; however, Project RIO - Youth may need basic skills training and
education to secure employment. Specifically, Boards shall consider integration
with WIA Youth services or other funding sources, as appropriate, for assisting
Project RIO - Youth with obtaining the basic
General Educational Development
[
General Equivalency Diploma
] (GED)
credential
or
basic skills training.
TDCJ -
]Parole Supervising Offices. A Board
shall coordinate the provision of Project RIO employment activities and support
services with the referring
TDCJ or TYC
[
Parole Division
]
supervising
office
[
officer
]. This coordination shall
ensure that the
supervising office is
[
TDCJ Parole Offices
are
] made aware of the results of the initial referral for Project RIO
services, as well as periodic updates on program participation status as determined
appropriate for the individual.
TDCJ - Institutional
Division
]. A Board shall coordinate the provision of Project RIO employment
activities and support services with [
the
] TDCJ
and TYC correctional
institutions
[
Institutional Division
] by utilizing the data
and resources developed [
by the TDCJ Institutional Division Project RIO
component
] prior to the offender's
or adjudicated youth's
release.
This coordination shall ensure that post-release Project RIO activities and
services build upon and complement the services provided in the correctional
institutions.
[
This coordination shall ensure that the TDCJ Institutional
Division is made aware of the results of the initial referral for Project
RIO services, as well as periodic updates on program participation status
as determined appropriate for the individual.
]
(3)
TDCJ -State Jail Division.
A Board shall coordinate the provision of Project RIO employment activities
and support services with the TDCJ State Jail Division by utilizing the data
and resources developed by the State Jail Project RIO component prior to the
offender's release. This coordination shall ensure that the TDCJ State Jail
Division is made aware of the results of the initial referral for Project
RIO services, as well as periodic updates on program participation status
as determined appropriate for the individual.]
(4)
TYC Offices. A Board shall
coordinate the provision of Project RIO employment activities and support
services with the referring TYC parole and contracted parole officer. This
coordination shall ensure that the TYC Offices are made aware of the results
of the initial referral for Project RIO services, as well as periodic updates
on program participation status as determined appropriate for the individual.]
reentry
] into the labor force, a Board
shall develop cooperative agreements and service arrangements meeting the
requirements of [
the
] Texas Labor Code §306.007(a).
the
] efficient delivery and
linkage of Project RIO employment activities and support services within the
workforce area's One-Stop Service Delivery Network with other employment and
training services funded through the Texas Workforce
Centers
[
Center, in particular WIA Adult and Youth services and, Food Stamp Employment
and Training (FSE&T)
];
(2)
the employment documents secured
by the TDCJ Institutional Division, State Jail Division, or the TYC Project
RIO are properly routed to the ex-offender;]
(3)
]
A
[
a
]
point of contact for
TDCJ and TYC supervising offices
[
the
TDCJ Parole Division and the TYC
] to facilitate
the exchange of
[
access to
] information regarding the Project RIO job seeker's
progress toward securing employment and related participation information;
(4)
]
The
[
the
]
outreach of Project RIO job seekers at TDCJ [
Parole Division
] and
TYC
supervising offices
[
facilities
];
(5)
]
The
[
the
]
participation of the One-Stop Service Delivery Network in job fairs/career
days held in TDCJ
and TYC correctional institutions
[
facilities
];
(6)
]
The timely and accurate
reporting of data reflecting Project RIO service provision as well as the
status of referrals for service
[
the use of reporting and document
management systems related to Project RIO participation as required by the
Commission
];
(7)
]
All
[
all
]
performance standards
are met
, as developed by the Commission[
, are met
]; and
(8)
]
The
[
the
]
performance of any other duties, as required by the Commission, necessary
to implement the intent of Texas Labor Code, Chapter 306.
TDCJ Parole Division
] is made in a timely manner if a job seeker fails to comply with the
job seeker Responsibility Agreement as set forth in §847.3 of this chapter.
Fidelity Bonding
] services.
operator
], or the Board's
designated service provider, and contains language
detailing
[
indicating
] that the job seeker:
outlined
] in the Individual Employment Plan;
operator
],
or the Board's designated service provider,
upon securing
[
of
] employment.
Subchapter B. PROJECT RIO JOB SEEKER RESPONSIBILITIES
(1)
complete and sign an application
for food stamp benefits through the Texas Department of Human Services, unless
the job seeker has a drug conviction on or after August 22, 1996;]
(2)
] sign the job seeker Responsibility
Agreement;
(3)
] participate in employment activities
as specified in §847.22 and as described in §847.31 of this chapter;
(4)
] attend scheduled Project RIO
appointments;
(5)
] notify the [
'
]Texas
Workforce Center [
operator
], or the Board's designated service
provider,
upon securing employment
[
when starting work on
any job
];
(6)
] participate in or receive support
services as described in §847.22 and §847.41 of this chapter, necessary
to enable the Project RIO job seekers to work or participate in employment
activities, including counseling, treatment, and vocational or physical rehabilitation;
(7)
] be free of outstanding warrants
and not in pre-revocation status; and
(8)
] be drug-free and comply with
other terms or conditions of parole.
referred by the TDCJ Parole Division,
] who fail to meet the requirements of the Individual Employment Plan
and job seeker Responsibility Agreement, may be deemed ineligible for Project
RIO employment activities and support services, and such participation status
shall be reported to the TDCJ
or TYC supervising office
[
Parole Division
]. Failure to comply, as determined by the Texas Workforce
Center [
operator
], or the Board's designated service provider,
includes but is not limited to:
Subchapter C. PROJECT RIO SERVICES
strengths and
] potential
barriers to securing and retaining employment, such as:
include
] background information
relating to education and vocational skills training obtained while incarcerated,
employment history, academic achievements, and past skills attainments;
officer
], as one of the factors considered in evaluating employability.
facility
];
facility
];
requires
] their skills;
Subchapter D. PROJECT RIO EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES