16.9 Successful Case Closure

There is no standard minimum level of earnings or hours worked that must be met to achieve a successful closure; these criteria are established on a case-by-case basis and documented on the IPE. Counselors shall establish these criteria with the individual and monitor progress throughout the rehabilitation process. To determine whether the individual has achieved successful self-employment and the case is ready to be closed as successful, the counselor shall confirm:

1. The self-employment outcome is consistent with the individual’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

2. The self-employment outcome is in the most integrated setting possible.

3. The individual has maintained the self-employment outcome and the agreed upon income goal for a period of at least 90 days (for best practice, also evaluate whether the individual is able to put money back into the business to maintain ongoing business expenses).

4. Both the individual and the counselor consider the self-employment outcome to be satisfactory and agree that the individual is performing well in the business

5. Documentation in the case record shall demonstrate that vocational services were provided and the individual has agreed that no further vocational services are necessary.