§ 40-5.2-3. Legislative intent.
(a) It is the intent of the general assembly:
(1) To fundamentally change the public assistance program formerly known as the family independence program in order to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children while requiring the entry or reentry of the adult members of the family into the workplace with necessary supports as quickly as possible; and
(2) To follow the policies and guidance of the federal public assistance legislation as closely as possible; and
(3) To promote efficiencies through interdepartmental cooperation, specifically with the department of human services, the single state agency responsible for administration and implementation of this chapter. This shall include developing and implementing child support payment and enforcement, the case-management system, payment of cash assistance, issuance of food stamps, childcare subsidies, and medical assistance to eligible children and families in need.
(b) The department shall collaborate with community agencies and other state departments to achieve the goals of this chapter. Partners may include, but are not limited to, the:
(1) Department of labor and training, which shall provide employment and training services in accordance with this chapter;
(2) Department of elementary and secondary education, which provides adult education and literacy programs;
(3) Community College of Rhode Island, which provides vocational training at the postsecondary level;
(4) Rhode Island commerce corporation, which is responsible for expansion of job opportunities in the state for low-income families with children;
(5) Department of labor and training, which is responsible for the planning and coordination of workforce development policy and strategies in the state’s employment, education, and economic development systems;
(6) Department of children, youth and families, which administers the child welfare services, regulates child daycare providers, and is 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-income families; and
(8) Family court, which is responsible for enforcing the support obligations of absent parents and protecting those children whose health and well-being is at risk because of an absence of family resources.
History of Section.P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 16, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 40-5.2 - The Rhode Island Works Program
Section 40-5.2-1. - Short title.
Section 40-5.2-2. - The Rhode Island works program — Statement of purpose.
Section 40-5.2-3. - Legislative intent.
Section 40-5.2-5. - Rhode Island works — Promotion of work.
Section 40-5.2-7. - Work participation rates.
Section 40-5.2-8. - Definitions.
Section 40-5.2-9. - The Rhode Island works program — General eligibility requirements.
Section 40-5.2-10. - Necessary requirements and conditions.
Section 40-5.2-11. - Cash assistance.
Section 40-5.2-12. - Work requirements for receipt of cash assistance.
Section 40-5.2-13. - Income deeming.
Section 40-5.2-14. - Reporting of income and resources by participants.
Section 40-5.2-15. - Reporting absence.
Section 40-5.2-16. - Minimum payment.
Section 40-5.2-17. - Assistance not assignable; exemption from process.
Section 40-5.2-18. - Up-front cash program.
Section 40-5.2-19. - Appropriate child care necessary for work requirement.
Section 40-5.2-20. - Childcare assistance — Families or assistance units eligible.
Section 40-5.2-21. - Eligibility for medical benefits.
Section 40-5.2-22. - Emergency expenses.
Section 40-5.2-23. - Post-employment incentive bonus.
Section 40-5.2-24. - Overpayment and underpayment of benefits.
Section 40-5.2-25. - Hearings.
Section 40-5.2-26. - Records as to assistance.
Section 40-5.2-27. - Department of human services.
Section 40-5.2-28. - Rules and regulations.
Section 40-5.2-29. - Noncustodial parents — Employment obligations.
Section 40-5.2-30. - Fraudulently obtaining assistance.
Section 40-5.2-31. - Authorization to pay assistance.
Section 40-5.2-32. - Cashing of assistance checks.
Section 40-5.2-33. - Child clothing allowance.
Section 40-5.2-34. - Screening for domestic violence — Waiver of program requirements.
Section 40-5.2-35. - Child support pass-through.
Section 40-5.2-36. - Appropriation of funds.
Section 40-5.2-37. - Severability.
Section 40-5.2-38. - Application and effect of this chapter on applicants and recipients.
Section 40-5.2-39. - References to the family independence program.