4. Scope of Services: Delaware is soliciting proposals for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) programs that support Delaware youth between the ages of 16 and 24. a. Outreach, Recruitment and Retention include but are not limited to, identifying potentially eligible youth, working with parents and guardians to secure necessary documentation, and working closely with other governmental and community organizations and school systems to identify and recruit eligible youth. Continued engagement and retention of program participants is vital to individual and program success. b. Intake, Eligibility Determination and Certification: Providers will be responsible for reasonably determining WIOA eligibility of youth applicants recruited into the program. Eligibility is defined in Appendix D. Terms and Conditions. c. Providers shall implement Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care training for staff and participants throughout the program year. d. Providers shall ensure that participants understand what quality jobs are through supported work experiences that include supervision, paid training, access to supportive services, career ladders and work-based learning that may lead to a certification. e. Objective Assessment must be conducted by the providers to assess the academic level, skill level and service needs of each participant. This will include a review of basic skills, occupational skills, prior work experience, employability, interests, aptitudes, supportive service needs, Mental Health needs and development needs. The goal is to accurately evaluate each youth to develop and maintain the Individual Service Strategy (ISS). Providers will assess reading and math skills using assessment instruments that are valid and appropriate for the target population.
