If the client is requesting child care for employment, the employment must have the potential to allow the client to achieve or maintain economic self-sufficiency.
In evaluating employment, here
are some questions to consider:
1. Do the earnings exceed the cost of child care? If not, is there a chance
for advancement or increased earning in the reasonable future, i.e., 6
to 8 months?
Child care could be justified if the client is starting at an entry level
position but will be able to acquire experience that will lead to increased
earnings.
2. Does the client have a physical or mental challenge? If so, it may be
appropriate to assist with child care even if the earnings are minimal.
3. Is there a market for the product, skill, or activity? For instance,
there probably is not a future in selling deep sea fishing boats in the
sandhills.
4. Is this a small business venture either by the client alone or with
others and is there a market in the community for the product, skill,
or activity?
5. Does it seem that the client is pursuing a hobby rather than a livelihood?
For example, it may not be realistic for a client to support himself/herself
by making and selling crafts, doing sewing or alterations.