§ 40-5.2-6. Goals.
The Rhode Island works program shall strive to:
(1) Eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of poverty on families and children by fostering employment and opportunity as a means to economic independence;
(2) Assist participants to gain employment as rapidly as possible, giving due consideration to individual circumstances, labor market conditions, the needs of the dependent children for continuing care and protection, and the ultimate goal of long-term economic independence;
(3) Eliminate the stigma of welfare by promoting a philosophy and a perception that the purpose of welfare is to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of poverty on families and children by promoting work opportunities for all Rhode Island residents;
(4) Support and coordinate with activities that promote self-sufficiency and strengthen family life;
(5) Provide a comprehensive support service package that includes: child support, medical assistance, food stamps, child care, transportation, and other support services necessary to promote economic independence;
(6) Promote successful transition from public assistance to employment and reduce the likelihood that participants will need to return to cash assistance through the provision of job-readiness activities, employment-related skills training, and education activities concurrently with or as necessary, prior to employment or seeking employment, family support skills, and follow-up services for problem resolution and job advancement;
(7) Develop partnerships through the joint efforts of the department of labor and training and the department of human services with employers to create job opportunities and meet the needs of both employers and participants;
(8) Develop partnerships with the office of adult education to provide full-time intensive work-readiness services to participants with limited literacy and work experience as well as part-time adult education services that are accessible to working participants so they can increase their earning ability;
(9) Provide a program where it is more advantageous to work than not to work by rewarding self-sufficiency; and
(10) Implement a program that is clear, focused, and simple to administer.
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.