The DESE-6 is an application for accessing DFS funds allocated to DESE.  This funding is to be used to initiate training and education to help participants obtain employment.

DFS Central Office staff is responsible for processing and submitting the DESE-6 for Vocational/Job Skills Training to DESE.  All referrals must have the signature of a DFS case manager and a local supervisory staff.  The completed and signed DESE-6 is then sent to Central Office to be reviewed.  Do not guarantee this funding source to participants for their education/training prior to approval by DESE.  A DESE-6a must be received by the case manager before a participant may attend any training that is dependent upon funding from the Division of Family Services.  There is no guarantee that payment will be authorized to the school the participant is attending, if the DESE-6a has not been received.

Report to Margaret Mahnesmith, 573/751-7563, or e-mail mmahnesmit@mail.DESE.state.mo.us, at DESE if a participant does not attend training as soon as this information is discovered.  This is important because the allocated funds can then be released for use by another student.

Education is still supported as a work activity.  Staff should explore various options of funding for participants to access vocational and skill training.  Funding resources may include the Pell grant, Welfare-to-Work training dollars or student loans.  Some institutions provide student funding.  Staff is encouraged to collaborate with other agencies or community sponsors to provide training funds.

• Immediately stop guaranteed funding through DESE Vocational/Job Skills Training dollars without the receipt of a DESE-6a.

• File the revised manual pages in the Temporary Assistance/Case Management Manual.