2005 Connecticut Code - Sec. 17b-3. Commissioner of Social Services: Powers and duties.
Sec. 17b-3. Commissioner of Social Services: Powers and duties. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall administer all law under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Services. The commissioner shall have the power and duty to do the
following: (1) Administer, coordinate and direct the operation of the department; (2)
adopt and enforce regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, as are necessary to implement the purposes of the department as established by statute; (3) establish rules for
the internal operation and administration of the department; (4) establish and develop
programs and administer services to achieve the purposes of the department as established by statute; (5) contract for facilities, services and programs to implement the
purposes of the department as established by statute; (6) process applications and requests for services promptly; (7) make no duplicate awards for items of assistance once
granted, except for replacement of lost or stolen checks on which payment has been
stopped; (8) promote economic self-sufficiency where appropriate in the department's
programs, policies, practices and staff interactions with recipients; (9) act as advocate
for the need of more comprehensive and coordinated programs for persons served by
the department; (10) plan services and programs for persons served by the department;
(11) coordinate outreach activities by public and private agencies assisting persons
served by the department; (12) consult and cooperate with area and private planning
agencies; (13) advise and inform municipal officials and officials of social service agencies about social service programs and collect and disseminate information pertaining
thereto, including information about federal, state, municipal and private assistance
programs and services; (14) encourage and facilitate effective communication and coordination among federal, state, municipal and private agencies; (15) inquire into the
utilization of state and federal government resources which offer solutions to problems
of the delivery of social services; (16) conduct, encourage and maintain research and
studies relating to social services development; (17) prepare, review and encourage
model comprehensive social service programs; (18) maintain an inventory of data and
information and act as a clearing house and referral agency for information on state and
federal programs and services; and (19) conduct, encourage and maintain research and
studies and advise municipal officials and officials of social service agencies about
forms of intergovernmental cooperation and coordination between public and private
agencies designed to advance social service programs. The commissioner may require
notice of the submission of all applications by municipalities, any agency thereof, and
social service agencies, for federal and state financial assistance to carry out social
services. The commissioner shall establish state-wide and regional advisory councils.
(c) The powers and duties enumerated in this section shall be in addition to and shall not limit any other powers or duties of the commissioner contained in any other law.
(P.A. 93-262, S. 3, 87.)
History: P.A. 93-262 effective July 1, 1993.
See Sec. 19a-45a re memorandum of understanding between Commissioners of Social Services and Public Health to improve delivery of public health services for low-income populations.
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