§ 40-5.2-3 - Legislative intent. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40-5.2-3

   § 40-5.2-3  Legislative intent. – (a) It is the intent of the general assembly to fundamentally change the publicassistance program formerly known as the Family Independence Program in orderto provide temporary financial assistance to eligible families with childrenwhile requiring the entry or reentry of the adult members of the family intothe workplace with necessary supports as quickly as possible, and

   (b) To follow the policies and guidance of the federal publicassistance legislation as closely as possible, and

   (c) To promote efficiencies through interdepartmentalcooperation, specifically with the department of human services, the singlestate agency responsible for administration and implementation of this chapter.This shall include developing and implementing child support payment andenforcement, the case management system, the payment of cash assistance,issuance of food stamps, child care subsidies and medical assistance toeligible children and families in need.

   (d) The department shall collaborate with community agenciesand other state departments to achieve the goals of this chapter. Partners mayinclude, but are not limited to, the:

   (1) Department of labor and training, which shall provideemployment and training services in accordance with this chapter;

   (2) Department of elementary and secondary education, whichprovides adult education and literacy programs;

   (3) Community College of Rhode Island, which providesvocational training at the postsecondary level;

   (4) Rhode Island economic development corporation, which isresponsible for expansion of job opportunities in the state for low-incomefamilies with children;

   (5) Department of labor and training which is responsible forthe planning and coordination of workforce development policy and strategies inthe state's employment, education and economic development systems;

   (6) Department of children, youth and families whichadministers the child welfare services, regulates child day care providers; andis ultimately responsible for the guardianship of children at-risk;

   (7) Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation,which is responsible for expanding housing opportunities for low incomefamilies; and

   (8) Family court, which is responsible for enforcing thesupport obligations of absent parents and protecting those children whosehealth and well-being is at risk because of an absence of family resources.