Wagner-Peyser Act

(C) Data Assessment. Review the previous four years Wagner-Peyser data reports on performance. Note whether the State has been meeting its goals to provide MSFWs quantitatively proportionate services as compared to non-MSFWs. If it has not met these goals, explain why the State believes such goals were not met and how the State intends to improve its provision of services in order to meet such goals.

Review the previous four years Wagner-Peyser data reports on performance. Note whether the State has been meeting its goals to provide MSFWs quantitatively proportionate services as compared to non-MSFWs. If it has not met these goals, explain why the State believes such goals were not met and how the State intends to improve its provision of services in order to meet such goals.

Data assessment in Maryland continues to be challenging as the state continuously reports low numbers ofMSFWs in the MWE, which makes related quotients and ratios void of meaning. The highest quarter showed 34 MSFWs, though that number included many that proved to be inaccurate after follow up by staff. The system is updated as inaccurate information on individuals is removed after being contacted by staff. MD Labor is committed to providing MSFWs quantitatively proportionate and qualitatively equivalent services to the targeted population. To increase the number of customers accessing AJC services, the State is committed to increasing outreach efforts and partnerships developed, especially within areas that farm workers may live and work. By engaging partners on a more regular basis to develop relationships with businesses and workers, MD Labor can increase awareness of programs and services available. Creating partnerships with community-based organizations to create a bridge to MSFWs will assist in developing trust among the population. Maryland’s challenge is the loss of more farms as farmers retire, or leave farming after closing due to challenges of vagaries of weather, and even the fluctuating market prices for their goods.

Maryland continues outreach to all farm workers. All employment services are offered to the farm workers as are available to any job seeker in an AJC as well as follow up services. The seasonal farm workers in Maryland, have not historically availed themselves of employment services and resources. Each quarter, there are few self- identified farm workers. Staff reach out to farm workers enrolled in the MWE to offer services. In many cases, it is determined they are not farm workers and incorrectly checked the box during enrollment.

Outreach staff and local office management search the MWE for individuals self-identifying as a farm worker. Contact is made via telephone to invite the farm worker to the center for additional services. If it is determined that customer does not meet the definition of a farm worker, the designation is changed, and a case note entered describing why the change has been made. If eligible under a different designation, staff makes referrals as appropriate.

As farms decrease in Maryland, we are seeing a decreasing number of customers identifying as farm workers in the state seeking employment services. Individuals without a valid social security number may access self-services in the AJCs through the MWE. They are not reported as part of performance.