The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires states and local areas to set policies on twelve (12)-month follow-up services.  This section of the policy manual addresses the types of follow-up services and the timetables for when they occur for individuals in the WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs.

1. Follow-up services:
   1. Are defined as two-way exchanges between the WIOA Title I service provider and the individual (or the individual’s advocate or employer) and are designed to provide support and guidance to ensure sustained employment, earning of post-secondary credentials, wage increases, and advancement of career goals;
   2. Are those services above and beyond the act of contacting individuals for securing performance reporting documentation; and
      1. Verifying information, such as ensuring an individual is still employed, is not considered follow-up.
   3. Can occur by telephone conversation, in person, or via email (or other social media).
      1. While sending a letter or leaving a voicemail might be communication, neither is acceptable if no interaction or provision of service took place.
2. Local Workforce Innovation Boards (LWIBs) must establish and implement local follow-up services policies following this guidance. 
3. The availability of follow-up services should be discussed with the participant at the beginning of an individual’s interaction with the career planner to set the expectation for seamless communication throughout their participation in the program.
4. Evaluation to determine the need and level of intensity for follow-up services to meet the needs of the individual should be ongoing during participation and the follow-up period.
   1. In the Adult and Dislocated Worker program, these services are a way to determine if adults or dislocated workers need support for retaining employment, earning wages, or advancing in the workplace.
   2. For youth, these services are critical to ensuring they are successful in a job or postsecondary education and training.
5. Follow-up should be as often as necessary throughout the required twelve (12) months.
   1. At a minimum, it should occur at least every thirty (30) days for the first three (3) months and then must occur once a quarter for the remainder of the twelve (12)-month period.  This aligns with quarterly post-exit reporting requirements.
   2. Documentation must be entered as a case note in the appropriate case management system each time throughout the twelve (12) months the career planner contacts the participant.
6. Follow-up services do not delay program exit.