441—47.3 (239B) General provisions.
	 47.3(1) Target population. FIP diversion assistance shall be offered to those families determined to be likely candidates for success in the program, as determined by department staff. FIP diversion program candidates:
	  a.   	 Shall be otherwise eligible for FIP, as set forth at subrule 47.5(1).
	  b.   	 Must have identifiable barriers to obtaining or retaining employment that can be substantially addressed through the immediate, short-term assistance offered by this division.
	 47.3(2) Application processing.
	  a.   	 Application form. Families may apply for diversion assistance by submitting Form 470-3534, FIP Diversion Application, to a department local office.
	 (1) 	 Department staff may refer for diversion assistance potential candidates who have applied for family investment program assistance, food assistance, or medical assistance. For these candidates, the application filed under rule 441—40.22(239B), 441—65.2(234), or 441—76.1(249A), respectively, shall be accepted as an application for diversion assistance.
	 (2) 	 The application must contain a legible name and address and must be signed by the applicant. When two parents or a parent and stepparent are in the home, both must sign the application.
	  b.   	 Interview. The department shall conduct at least one face-to-face interview before approval of the application. The face-to-face interview may be held in the local office, at a department-designated site, or in the applicant’s home.
	 (1) 	 The applicant may appoint an authorized representative to attend the interview if the applicant is unable to attend. The authorized representative must be a person knowledgeable of the family’s circumstances.
	 (2) 	 If the applicant or authorized representative fails to attend the required interview, the application shall be denied.
	  c.   	 Verification. The department shall accept the family’s declaration except when verification is required by these rules or information appears questionable. The decision with respect to eligibility shall be based largely on information provided by the family.
	 47.3(3) Approval. Participation in the FIP diversion program is voluntary and shall be based on an informed decision by the family, as evidenced by signature on Form 470-3529, Agreement for FIP Ineligibility.