The Nome nugget., 1944-07-03
tBv HOWARD LYNG)

Territorial government, it's social and economic responsibilities for the welfare of it's people. Alaska inaugurated the pension system many years ago. long before most of our States. Ii also established the Pioneers Home at Sitka 10 care for aged and indigent pio neers, several decades ago.
 In 1885 the Social Security Act was adopted by the Federal Government, and in order for Alaska to come within it's provi sions special session of the Leg islature was held in 1887, at which time new laws were enact ed conforming to the standards set up by the National Social Se curity Board under the National Act.
 A Department of Public Vel fare was established and Board | of Public Welfare set up he Board consists of the Governor and four members, one from each Judicial Division, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. This Board ap- points the Director of the Depart ment of Public Welfare. The l Board is the policy forming unit, and assigns to the director all duties in connection with the ad- ministraton of the Department.
 Public Welfare Programs The Department of Public Vel fare administers five programs of service and assistance to residents of the Territory.
 D. Old Age Assistance Pen- sions); (2). General Assistance (relieD; (3.:. Child Welfare ser vices; t4. Mothers Allowances; (5). Juvenile Delinquents.
 Old Age Assistance and Who
 May Receive If:
 Old Age Assistance is a grant of money payable monthly by the Department of Public Vel fare to any aged, needy resident of the Territory, who is a citizen of the Uni'ed States. and who has resided in the Territory for five years during the nine years im- mediately preceding the date of application, who has attained the age of 65 years. This applies to all resident citizens of Alaska, in cluding the Native peoples. The maximum grant Is $4500 per month, but all grants are based solely on the individuals need. The Federal Government partici- pates to the extent of 50 per cent of all grants up to $4000 per month Thus, if the grant is $40.00, the Federal Government contributes S20.o0 and the Terri tory, s20,00; if it is $45.00, the Territory pays the S25.00.
 General Assistance The Federal Government does not participate in this program It is purely a Territorial affair, all of the funds used being ap- propriated by the Legislature from the Territorial Treasury
 It is designed to assist persons who are unable to assist them selves, either through physical in- capacity or by reason of tempor- ary lack of sufficient income About 50 percent Of the activity of this program is in the provid- ing of medical and hospitalization care.
 Chud Welfare Services
 This program is administered by the Department of Public Welfare under an approved plan with the United States Children's Bureau of the Department of La bor. It is designed to establish, extend and strengthen services tol children of the Territory. The Division of Child Welfare Ser vices carries on a generalized case work activity on behalf of needy children, and works closely with the Territorial Health Depart nent the Office of Indian Affairs, and other agencies. This service is available in the planning for care of children in their own