Grantees may release members from participation for two reasons: (a) for compelling personal circumstances; and (b) for cause. See 45 CFR §2522.230 for requirements. In addition to the regulations, the following apply:
1. No Automatic Disqualification if Released for Cause. A release for cause covers all circumstances in which a member does not successfully complete his/her term of service for reasons other than compelling personal circumstances. Therefore, it is possible for a member to receive a satisfactory performance review and be released for cause. For example, a member who is released for cause for a first term for personal reasons – e.g. he/she has decided to take a job offer– but who, otherwise, was performing well up until the time he/she decided to leave, would not be disqualified for a second term as long as he/she received a satisfactory performance evaluation for the period he/she served.
2. Required Disclosure by Member of Prior Release for Cause. Any individual released for cause who thereafter applies to serve in any AmeriCorps program must disclose the fact that he/ she was released for cause to the Program to which the individual is applying. Failure to disclose that the individual was released for cause from another AmeriCorps Program will make the individual ineligible to receive the AmeriCorps education award.