The department, at the discretion of the commissioner, may establish and operate a program of emergency assistance to needy families with children within the United States Social Security Act, Title IV-A, Section 406(e), and any amendments and additions. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. I, §3 (RPR).] This program must provide: [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. I, §3 (RPR).] 1. Benefits; emergency situation. Benefits to needy families with children in emergency situations in which the family is deprived of the basic necessities essential to their support, including, but not limited to, utility terminations, lack of adequate shelter, fire and other natural disasters. In determining what constitutes an emergency with respect to utility terminations, the department shall grant assistance when an otherwise qualified family has received a disconnection notice and has exhausted their ability to negotiate and pay the terms of a reasonable payment arrangement. The program may not be used to supplant local responsibility for operating or funding a general assistance program. The department shall not expend more than $750,000 of state general assistance funds for the purposes of covering the cost of services set out in this subsection; and [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. I, §3 (RPR).] 2. Additional emergency services. Additional emergency services to children who are at risk of removal from the home because of their specified relative's inability to provide care and children in emergency situations where continued presence in the home is not in the best interest of the children. Additional emergency services are defined as those that cover emergency situations resulting from child abuse, neglect, abandonment or domestic abuse. The department may expend other general funds for the additional emergency services described in this subsection. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. I, §3 (RPR).] The department may establish eligibility guidelines and limits on services covered under this program. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. I, §3 (RPR).]
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