A.S.A.R.E.T OBJECTIVE
The A.S.A.R.E.T. initiative is a memorandum of agreement between the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (A.A.N.D.C) and Human Resources Development Canada (H.R.D.C.). It is for using existing authorities, services and programs to direct individual Social Assistance (S.A.) entitlement toward active measures such as employment training.
HOW S.A. RECIPIENTS ACCESS A.S.A.R.E.T.
H.R.D.C. has ten Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreements (A.H.R.D.A.) with First Nations organizations to develop, design, deliver and evaluate training and employment programs and services in broad geographical areas either directly or through sub-agreemets with Aboriginal delivery agencies. On-reserve S.A. recipients may acces these programs and services through the A.S.A.R.E.T. initiative.
Eligible S.A. recipients may participate in an A.S.A.R.E.T. skills training project for up to twenty-four (24) months.
HOW THE FUNDING WORKS
Using the Work Opportunities Program social assistance transfer authority and mechanism, A.H.R.D.A. funding can be supplemented by the S.A. entitlement of eligilble S.A. recipients. The offset to A.H.R.D.A. employment training costs is intended to increase access of S.A. recipients to A.H.R.D.A. programs and allow for greater numbers of S.A. recipients to participate in A.H.R.D.A. sponsored programs and interventions.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
Individual client-participant files are to have regular social assistance documetation and details of the A.S.A.R.E.T. program to support the amount of social assistance transferred. The following information is also required:
- Determine and verify recipient’s status as “non-insured participant” and place this documentation on the clients file. Note: “insured participants” are ordinarily not eligible for A.S.A.R.E.T. and should be referred for training support to the A.H.R.D.A.
- Verify recipients acceptance into the program or intervention and start date. Place this documentation in the client’s file.
- Once recipient’s participation is confirmed and has begun;
Calculate recipient’s entitlement (basic needs) and transfer this amount mothly to the A.H.R.D.A. or
Maintain recipient on S.A. while participating in the intervention in lieu of recipient receiving A.H.R.D.A. living allowance. - S.A. funds may not be transferred until recipient’s participation in the project begins.
ADMINISTERING AUTHORITIES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
C.F.A. administering authorities report monthly S.A. transfers on the Quarterly Report form for re-imbursement purposes.