FEP Roundtable: W-2 Discretion

DWD/DWS/BW-2 Partner Training Services 1 October 10, 2006

FEP Roundtable:W-2 Discretion


Welcome!


FEP Roundtable

FEPs of the Round Table?


Where are the Round Tables?


FEPs of the Square Tables

W-2Discretion





• Embed Bill Clingan Video here…


Ground Rules for Today:

• When we discuss case situations, we want to take a strength-based and solution-based approach

• Respect others’ viewpoints

• Remember that “discretion” allows for more than one “right” outcome


What is Discretion?

From the world of Literature…

“The better part of valor is discretion“

- Falstaff in Henry IV by

William Shakespeare


What is Discretion?

From the world of Spanish Proverbs…

“Wit without discretion is a sword in the hand of a fool. “


What is Discretion?

From the world of Poetry and Prose…

“There are many shining qualities on the mind of man; but none so useful as discretion. It is this which gives a value to all the rest…“

- Joseph Addison

English Author


What is Discretion?

From the world of Diplomacy…

“Judgment is not upon all occasions required, but discretion always is.”

- Lord Chesterfield

British Statesman and Diplomat


What is Discretion?

From the world of Entertainment…

“Viewer discretion is advised”

- Every show on the “FOX” network


• Prudence

• Choice

• Decision

• Distinction

• Evaluation

• Free will

What is Discretion?

• Opportunity

• Option

• Preference

• Calculation

• Flexibility

Synonyms…


What is Discretion?

Antonyms…

• Recklessness

• Foolishness

• Ignorance

• Neglect


What is Discretion?

Definition…

“The power…to use…judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by principles of law.”

Merriam Webster Dictionary of Law


What is Discretion?

A W-2 Definition?

“The power of a FEP or Agency to use his/her own judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by W-2 Policy.”


What is Discretion?

A more concise definition…

“The power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain bounds.”

Merriam Webster Dictionary of Law


Where did W-2 Discretion come from?

A long (?) time ago… 1996


AFDC

• Entitlement

• Rigid

• Prescriptive

• “Welfare”

• Dependence on the system

• Work-based

• Flexibility

• Responsibility

• Opportunities

• Self-sufficiency

W-2

Fundamentally Different Approaches…


W-2 Philosophy & Goals

“The goal of Wisconsin Works (W-2) is to provide necessary and appropriate services to prepare individuals to work, and to obtain and maintain viable, self-sustaining employment, which will promote economic growth.”

– W-2 Manual, Chapter 1.1.0



“W-2 agencies will… ensure that all participants have equal access to the full spectrum of resources, and avoid arbitrary and inappropriate sanctions. ”




“All programs and services shall be rendered in a fair and just manner, including adverse actions such as denials and sanctions… ”




“W-2 goals are best achieved by working with providers, who are committed to customer-friendly service, who partner with employers and other service providers, who are innovative, and who strive to continuously improve the provision of service. ”



Why is there W-2 Discretion?

• To allow workers to make the best use of scarce resources

• To maximize local resources

• To best meet the needs of each customer

• To help achieve each unique customer’s goal of workforce attachment


Discretion in the W-2 Manual






Discretion in W-2 Policy


• W-2 policy

• State and Federal laws

• Others…

What Should Influence Discretion ?


What Must NOT Influence Discretion ?

• All Civil Rights categories, including disability as covered by the ADA– Race– Color– Gender– Religion– Etc.

• Others…


Break Time!

Documents

FEP Roundtable: W-2 Discretion