Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 21 - Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) › Chapter 1 - Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) › Rule 18-21-1-21.1 - Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) State Plan › LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY/ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

Current through June 25, 2024
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.