CFR

984.203—FSS family selection procedures.

(a) Preference in the FSS selection process. a PHA has the option of giving a selection preference for up to 50 percent of its public housing FSS slots and of its Section 8 FSS slots respectively to eligible families, as defined in § 984.103, who have one or more family members currently enrolled in an FSS related service program or on the waiting list for such a program. The PHA may limit the selection preference given to participants in and applicants for FSS related service programs to one or more eligible FSS related service programs. a PHA that chooses to exercise the selection preference option must include the following information in its Action Plan:

(1) The percentage of FSS slots, not to exceed 50 percent of the total number of FSS slots for each of its FSS programs, for which it will give a selection preference;

(2) The FSS related service programs to which it will give a selection preference to the programs' participants and applicants; and

(3) The method of outreach to, and selection of, families with one or more members participating in the identified programs.

(b) FSS selection without preference. For those FSS slots for which the PHA chooses not to exercise the selection preference provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the FSS slots must be filled with eligible families in accordance with an objective selection system, such as a lottery, the length of time living in subsidized housing, or the date the family expressed an interest in participating in the FSS program. The objective system to be used by the PHA must be described in the PHA's Action Plan.

(c) Motivation as a selection factor— (1) General. a PHA may screen families for interest, and motivation to participate in the FSS program, provided that the factors utilized by the PHA are those which solely measure the family's interest, and motivation to participate in the FSS program.

(2) Permissible motivational screening factors. Permitted motivational factors include requiring attendance at FSS orientation sessions or preselection interviews, and assigning certain tasks which indicate the family's willingness to undertake the obligations which may be imposed by the FSS contract of participation. However, any tasks assigned shall be those which may be readily accomplishable by the family, based on the family members' educational level, and disabilities, if any. Reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with mobility, manual, sensory, speech impairments, mental or developmental disabilities.

(3) Prohibited motivational screening factors. Prohibited motivational screening factors include the family's educational level, educational or standardized motivational test results, previous job history or job performance, credit rating, marital status, number of children, or other factors, such as sensory or manual skills, and any factors which may result in discriminatory practices or treatment toward individuals with disabilities or minority or non-minority groups.

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