§9-9-7. Work requirements.
(a) Unless otherwise exempted by the provisions of section
eight of this article, the West Virginia Works Program shall
require that anyone who possesses a high school diploma, or its
equivalent, or anyone who is of the age of twenty years or more, to
work or attend an educational or training program for at least the
minimum number of hours per week required by federal law under the
work participation rate requirements for all families in order to
receive any form of cash assistance. Participation in any
education or training activity, as defined in section three of this
article, shall be counted toward satisfaction of the work
requirement imposed by this section to the extent permissible under
federal law and regulation: Provided, That the participant
demonstrates adequate progress toward completion of the program.
In accordance with federal law or regulation, the work, education
and training requirements of this section are waived for any
qualifying participant with a child under six years of age if the
participant is unable to obtain appropriate and available child
care services.
(b) The department and representatives of the Higher Education
Policy Commission and the West Virginia Council for Community and
Technical College Education shall develop and implement a plan to
use and expand the programs available at the state's community and
technical colleges, colleges and universities to assist
beneficiaries or participants who are enrolled or wish to become enrolled in vocational-educational training not to exceed twelve
months with respect to any individual to meet the work requirements
of this section. Vocational-educational training shall be
supervised daily and on an ongoing basis.