Identification & Recruitment Plan

An ID&R plan defines the procedures in place to identify and recruit migrant children in a timely and proper manner. The plan should answer the question “How are migrant children identified and recruited in my state?” When developing a plan, the following basic questions are considered

• Why is an ID&R plan needed in the state or region?
• What information should be in the plan?
• Who needs to be involved in the development of the plan?
• How will the plan be disseminated?
• How often will the plan be updated?
• What are the Needs, Objectives, Strategies and Evaluation to be included in the plan?

Geography, number of children, and funds available usually define the extent of the efforts in an ID&R plan. However, there are some basic components that an effective plan should have:

• Planning and Logistics
• Recruiter hiring – A job description or list of characteristics of an effective recruiter
• Recruiter deployment – A map showing the district or area indicating the locations where qualifying activities take place and where migrant children may reside
• Recruitment network – A list of agencies, farmers, and community-based organizations that may assist the recruiter in locating potentially eligible families
• Recruitment schedule – A calendar indicating recruitment events and timelines
• Initial Training
• Proper eligibility determinations – mastery of the guidelines regulating the MEP
• Recruiting migrant children – effective strategies most commonly used to make proper eligibility determinations in the state or region
• Knowledge of program – services provided by the program and/or the local district
• Certificate of Eligibility – proper documentation and completion
• Cultural and language considerations – working with families who may have other languages and cultural customs
• Personal safety
• Quality Control Assurances
• How are COEs reviewed for accuracy and content?
• What is the procedure for resolving questions regarding eligibility determinations?
• How are eligibility determinations validated – what are the procedures for re-interviewing families?
• What corrective actions will be implemented, if needed?

When developing an ID&R plan, ESCORT assists states and their operating agencies in determining the resources that are needed, as well as identifying the persons responsible for the implementation of its goals. ESCORT has played a key role in developing many aspects of effective ID&R plans and practices in various states.