When resettling a refugee, the VOLAG accepts the following responsibilities:
Receive the refugee family.
Provide food, shelter, clothing and pocket money.
Provide assistance to find employment and housing, including furniture and utility services.
Provide assistance to enroll children in school.
Pay for ordinary medical costs.
Help the refugee family with adjustment to a new culture.
NOTE: An individual granted asylum may not be receiving assistance from a VOLAG.
The VOLAG may arrange for a sponsoring agency or individual to help with resettlement. The sponsor may provide the services listed above, including cash and in-kind assistance.
A refugee may need to apply for cash or medical assistance if:
The material or medical needs of the refugee and family exceed what the VOLAG is willing or able to provide.
NOTE: The CAO will determine eligibility based on the TANF resource and income limits.
The VOLAG or the refugee end contact with each other.
The VOLAG is unable to meet the cost of major medical services needed for the refugee.
If a refugee applies for assistance, the CAO will not deem the income and resources of the VOLAG or sponsor. The CAO will consider only the income and resources actually made available to the refugee.
The CAO will contact the VOLAG to determine what assistance it is providing to the refugee. If the refugee is applying for RCA, the CAO will ask the VOLAG whether the refugee has quit a job or refused an offer of employment. The CAO does not need the consent of the refugee to contact the agency. The CAO will not require a written statement from the VOLAG.
The CAO will advise the agency that the refugee is requesting assistance and will record the contact with the agency in the case record.
See Appendix A for a list of voluntary resettlement agencies (VOLAGs).
Issued June 13, 2003; reviewed March 16, 2012