2006 Delaware Code - CHAPTER 13 — DISPLACED HOMEMAKERS

§ 1301. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Displaced homemaker" shall mean an individual who has worked in the home for a substantial number of years providing unpaid household services for family members; who is not gainfully employed; who has had, or would have, difficulty finding employment; and who has depended on the income of a family member and has lost that source of income or has depended on government assistance as the parent of dependent children, but who is no longer eligible for such assistance.

(2) "Department" shall mean the Department of Labor.

(3) "Secretary" shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Labor.

(4) "Coordinator" shall mean the Coordinator of the Displaced Homemakers Program. (61 Del. Laws, c. 218, § 1.)

§ 1302. Assistance to displaced homemakers.

The Secretary shall appoint a Coordinator who shall, in consultation with the Secretary, establish, in conjunction with other governmental agencies and private employers, job-counseling, job-placement programs and provide information on money management and relevant government programs such as social security, Veterans' Administration benefits, public assistance and medical assistance. The Coordinator, in consultation with the Secretary, shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding the eligibility of persons for participation in programs under this chapter; establish contacts as necessary with nonprofit agencies and/or organizations, and with the private sector to conduct service programs; and carry out such other duties as the Secretary deems necessary. The Secretary shall employ such additional staff as required to carry out this chapter, within the limits of the funds appropriated therefor. (61 Del. Laws, c. 218, § 1.)

§ 1303. Duties of Coordinator.

The Coordinator shall coordinate contact with, and referrals to, programs applicable to displaced homemakers which shall include:

(1) Job counseling by professionals and peers specifically designed for a person entering the job market after a number of years as a homemaker;

(2) Job training and placement services, including:

a. Training programs for available jobs in the public and private sectors taking into account the skills and job experiences of a homemaker, and developed by working with public and private employers;

b. Assistance in locating available employment for displaced homemakers, some of whom could be employed in existing job training and placement programs; and

c. Utilization of the services of the Office of Management and Budget, which shall cooperate with the Department in locating employment opportunities;

(3) Financial management services providing information and assistance with respect to insurance, including but not limited to life, health, home and automobile insurance, and taxes, estate and probate problems, mortgages, loans and other related financial matters;

(4) Education and health services which would be of interest and benefit to displaced homemakers; and

(5) Research for the creation of new jobs making maximum use of skills developed from homemaking experience. Such jobs may include, but shall not be limited to, lay advocacy, home health technician, aging programs specialist, craft exchange coordinator, money management specialist, food production specialist and surviving spouse counselor. (61 Del. Laws, c. 218, § 1; 75 Del. Laws, c. 88, § 20(7).)

§ 1304. State-federal programs.

The Department shall, through coordination with the appropriate state and federal agencies, determine the feasibility of, and appropriate procedures for, allowing displaced homemakers to participate in:

(1) Programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.);

(2) Work incentive programs established under § 432(b)(1) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. § 632(b)(1)];

(3) Related federal and state employment, education and health assistance programs. (61 Del. Laws, c. 218, § 1.)