CCMEP is an effort to integrate the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to serve low-income Ohioans ages 14-24. By integrating TANF and WIOA services, CCMEP aims to improve the employment outcomes of participants and reduce overall administrative costs.
CCMEP is mandatory for youth (14-24 year olds) who are:
- Low-income in-school and out-of-school youth registered for WIOA and have a barrier to employment.
- Work-eligible Ohio Works First (OWF) program participants.
CCMEP is available to volunteers who are:
- Non-work eligible OWF participants.
- Prevention, retention and contingency (PRC) program beneficiaries.
CCMEP is being implemented for youth across all 88 Ohio counties. The basic treatment involves 1) assessment, 2) development of an individual opportunity plan (IOP) that gives the individual access to one of 14 statutory services (e.g., employment services, training, education, mental health care), 3) counseling and comprehensive case management, and 3) follow-up services after exiting CCMEP. Participant success is dependent on regular participant communication and interaction with case managers every 14-30 days and a commitment to reaching the goals identified in their IOP.
Program completion occurs once the participant has obtained employment, enrolled in post-secondary education, enlisted in the military or been awarded social security disability. Follow-up services with the participants' case manager will occur for at least one-year after program exit. This continued comprehensive case management might include services such as additional education/training, mental health and/or drug and alcohol counseling, housing and food assistance, leadership development etc. Expected outcomes of CCMEP participation include short and long term-employment increases, increased participation in training, vocational education and higher education, as well as reductions in poverty incidence by addressing food insecurity, housing instability and mental health issues through comprehensive case management.
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