Miss. Code. tit. 18, pt. 21, ch. 1, r. 18-21-1-21.1, LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY/ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY
On January 4, 1975, a new Title XX was added to the Social Security Act, which authorized an entitlement to States, for the provision of social services. Prior to the Title XX, States received matching Federal funds for specified categories of services, with eligibility for the services limited to receipt of public assistance under several titles of the Social Security Act.
Under Title XX, States were given increased flexibility to offer a wider range of services to a broader population of adults and children. The statute also included requirements regarding planning, public participation, income eligibility, and administration.
ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
In 1981, Congress created a block grant to states for social services under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ( Public Law 97-35) authorizing a wide range of community social services for individuals and families. These services are designed to prevent or reduce dependency, prevent neglect or abuse of children and adults, prevent or reduce inappropriate institutional care, and provide a limited range of services to individuals in institutions.
It is the general belief of the State of Mississippi that persons should be self-sufficient and not dependent on the government for support. It is better for the individual and the community if people are able to solve problems on their own and contribute positively to society within the limit of their capabilities. In turn, the state has a responsibility to provide a positive atmosphere to allow and encourage persons to achieve self-sufficiency. Government will continue to have the responsibility for assisting citizens who are vulnerable and unable to care for themselves.
Thus, the two-fold mission of the Social Services Block Grant in Mississippi is to protect vulnerable individuals and to assist individuals in achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency. Eligible persons for services are persons whose income is at or below poverty level, or who are unable to responsibly care for themselves.
In order to enable recipients to become self-sufficient, programs must recognize the underlying importance of increasing client's self-esteem and determination to overcome the significant problems of poverty. Resolving the complex problems associated with strengthening poor families and individuals in Mississippi will require significant efforts by clients themselves, by the state working in partnership with other levels of government, and with the private, voluntary, philanthropic, and independent sectors.
With the support of these services, individuals will move toward adequately providing for themselves. This upward mobility of clients will encourage a shorter period of dependency. Policy and service priorities should reflect this perspective.
Miss. Code. tit. 18, pt. 21, ch. 1, r. 18-21-1-21.1, LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY/ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS