a) DOC shall have sole discretion to determine whether a committed person is eligible to participate in the Program and whether a committed person's participation in the Program poses a safety and security risk for the correctional facility or any person. DECO will request from DOC the reasons for ineligibility of each committed person who meets the requirements for subsections (a)(1) through (a)(3), and is denied participation. Grantee teams will work with DOC to determine eligibility for program participation, including verifying that individuals meet the following criteria after completing an application:

1. 1) Are aged 17 or older;
2. 2) Are in the physical custody of DOC;
3. 3) Are within 36 months of release from a correctional institution or facility;
4. 4) Consent in writing to Program participation;
5. 5) Are willing to follow all Program requirements;
6. 6) Meet all Program and testing requirements, including an initial interview and coaching session;
7. 7) Do not pose a safety or security risk, and undergo and pass drug testing administered by DOC;
8. 8) Achieve a score on the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) equivalent to 6th grade proficiency or higher on Reading, Mathematics, and Language; and
9. 9) Participate in and successfully complete a pre-program orientation that ensures the candidates understand and are interested in continuing the Program.