POL-05-01

DATE: April 18, 2005

TO: All VESID VR Staff

SUBJECT: Purchase of Clothing

CONTENT: This is to replace clothing memos issued November 4, 2004 and prior. Clothing needs should be assessed and purchased when considered necessary for training or employment purposes only. This service is contingent on economic need with exceptions. The exceptions are for primary service Placement and Follow up Services (930), Placement Day One Performance Based (931), Placement on the Job Day One - OMH (960), and any future placement Day One codes that comes as a result of contracts. The cost should not exceed the $300 cap for all clothing needs. A new case service code for clothing has been put in place, support code "K" and should be used with the appropriate primary code for training or placement services. NO LONGER USE SUPPORT CODE B FOR CLOTHING.

Maintenance and transportation may not be used for this service.

Clothing may not be supplied for basic living requirements, but must be related to the specific employment goal. It is the counselor's responsibility, in consultation with the consumer, to identify and justify the specific items of clothing. Clothing needs may be for special safety reasons, (steel-toed work boots, heat resistant gloves, and hard hats) to begin a job and is not being provided by the employer or when an individual is ready for employment and needs clothing for job interviews or to begin a job (nurse whites and janitor coveralls). The consumer shall be encouraged to comparison-shop to get the best price for the clothing items which, will meet his/her employment needs. Clothing items should be appropriate to the specific job (e.g., a dress suit may be appropriate for an individual seeking a job as a bank auditor, but not for someone seeking a position as an auto mechanic). Purchases must be made in the most cost effective manner and supported by receipts.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 29, 2005

INQUIRIES: Any questions concerning this memorandum should be addressed to the Policy and Partnership Unit at 518- 474-3946.

REFERENCE: Federal Regulation 34 CFR Part 361.48

OBSOLETED: POL-04-01 - Amended November 4, 2004

______________________________

Edward Placke

Assistant Commissioner