Narrative: c. 4. C.

Louisiana SCSEP will ensure when recruiting and selecting participants for SCSEP, priority is given to individuals who have one or more of the following priority of service characteristics:

•  Are covered persons in accordance with the Jobs for Veterans Act (covered persons – veterans and eligible spouses, including widows and widowers – who are eligible for SCSEP must receive services instead of, or before, non-covered persons);
• Are 65 years or older;
• Have a disability;
• Have limited English proficiency;
• Have low literacy skills;
• Reside in a rural area;
• Have low employment prospects;
• Have failed to find employment after utilizing services provided through the One-Stop Delivery System;
• Are homeless or are at risk for homelessness
• Are formerly incarcerated or on supervision from release from prison or jail within five years of the dare of initial eligibility determination.
               

The priority of service requirements are included in the state SCSEP contract and are also followed by national SCSEP grantees.  Sub-Grantees use connections with other programs, such as Veteran Affairs and Vocational Rehabilitation Services at the WIOA One-Stops to promote SCSEP and gain referrals on potential applicants who meet the priority of service and eligibility requirements.  Grantees also partner with organizations that serve hard to reach populations such as those that are geographically or socially isolated and those whose primary language is not English. Catholic Charities has a refugee assistance program in-house which allows for immediate access to special populations. Due to the demographics of the areas they serve, some grantees will be able to serve larger percentages of these special populations better.  The State SCSEP Director (GOEA) will aid the grantees in evaluating whether, collectively, they are serving these populations adequately based on quarterly performance reports.