Community services policy manual - introduction

(a) Definitions - as used in this manual: For purposes of Section 17b-423-1 through 17b-423-7, the following definitions apply: "Area Agency on Aging (AAA)" means an Agency designated by the Department to develop and administer an area plan in a planning and service area. "Administration on Aging (AoA)" means the agency established in the Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services charged with the responsibility for administering the provisions of the Older Americans Act, except for Title V. "Area Plan" means the official planning document submitted by all Area Agencies on Aging to the Department for approval, which identifies measurable objectives and action steps to achieve those objectives, as well as describing all other functions of the Area Agency. "Assistant Secretary" means the assistant secretary on Aging of the Administration on Aging. "Comprehensive and Coordinated System" means a program of interrelated social and nutrition services designed to meet the needs of older persons in a planning and service area. "Department" or DSS means the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut. "Donated Foods or Cash" means food or cash made available by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). "Eligible Individuals for Title III Programs" means persons 60 years of age and older and their spouses, and people with disabilities residing in primarily elderly housing where congregate nutrition services are located may be provided meals. "Elderly Nutrition Project (ENP)" means an entity that is awarded a subgrant from an area agency to provide nutrition services under the area plan. "Focal Point" means a place or mobile unit in a community or neighborhood designated by the Area Agency to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older persons. "Greatest Economic Need" means the need resulting from an income level at or below the poverty threshold established by the Bureau of the Census. "Greatest Social Need" means the need caused by noneconomic factors which include physical and mental disabilities, language barriers, cultural or social isolation, including that caused by racial or ethnic status which restrict an individual's ability to perform normal daily tasks or which threaten his or her capacity to live independently. "Indian Tribal Organization" means the recognized governing body of any Indian tribe or any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by the governing body. "Indian Tribe" means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group of community of Indians (Native Americans) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians; or, is located on, or in proximity to a federal or state reservation or rancheria. "Manual" means the Community Services Policy Manual. "Multipurpose Senior Center" means a community facility for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services including, but not limited to, health, social, nutritional, and educational services; and the provision of facilities for recreational and group activities for older persons. "Nonprofit" means an agency, institution or organization which is with no part of the net earnings benefiting any private share holder or individual. "Older Americans Act (OAA)" means the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. "Older Person" means a person age 60 or older. "Planning and Service Area (PSA)" means a geographic area that is designated by the department for purposes of planning, development, delivery and administration of services under an area plan. "Reservation" means any Federal or state recognized Indian tribe's reservation. "Service Provider" means an entity that is awarded a subgrant or contract from an Area Agency to provide services under the area plan. "State Plan" means the plan developed by the Department detailing the utilization of federal funds in providing services to the elderly. The plan is based on Area Agency plans, and a statewide assessment of needs and priorities. "Target Groups" means those individuals identified as being in the greatest economic or social need of services. "Unit of general purpose local government" means (1) a political subdivision of the state whose authority is general and not limited to only one function or combination of related functions or (2) an Indian tribal organization. (b) Purpose of Manual (1) These regulations set forth the requirements for the conduct of the Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. They include requirements and procedures for designation of area agencies on aging, submission and approval of area plans, service requirements and hearing procedures. (2) The purpose of the Manual is to outline the overall program and grants administration responsibilities of the Department and it's grantee/contractor agencies. The Manual should assist and guide Connecticut's Area Agencies on Aging grantees in the operation of their programs. (3) The Manual constitutes all current policies which have been developed by the Department, unless otherwise noted, through the time of issuance. Additional policies may be incorporated by the Department pursuant to notice thereof published in the Connecticut Law Journal. (c) Scope and Organization The general organization of the Manual of Policies and Procedures is as follows: Section 17b-423-1: Introduction-provides an overview of the scope and organization of the Manual and a description of the Title III Program. Section 17b-423-2: Area Agency on Aging Designation-describes the procedures for designation of planning and service areas, Area Agencies on Aging and appeal procedures. Section 17b-423-3: Application Procedures and General Policies-sets forth the basic procedures governing the preparation of area plans and other applications under the Older Americans Act, as well as the general policies which affect grantee/contractor operations. Section 17b-423-4: General Area Agency on Aging Responsibilities/Title III-B Operations-sets forth the policies and procedures for the use of Title III-B funds, including the conduct of Area Agency on Aging operations and grantee/contractor activities. Section 17b-423-5: Title III-C Operations-sets forth the policies and procedures governing the administration and operation of Title III nutrition services. Section 17b-423-6: Title III-D Operations-sets forth the policies and procedures for the use of Title III-D in-home funds. Section 17b-423-7 Title III-F: Operations-sets forth the policies and procedures for the use of title III- F disease prevention and health promotion funds. Section 17b-423-8 through 17b-423-18: reserved Section 17b-423-19: Index (d) The Title III Program (1) Purpose Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended establishes authority for the development of programs to assist older persons, especially those with greatest economic and social needs, in the area of social services (III-B and III-D), congregate nutrition services (III-C1), home delivered nutrition services (III-C2), and disease prevention and health promotion services (III-F). (2) Process Title III provides formula grants to state agencies, who in turn may award funds to Area Agencies on Aging for such activities as community planning, coordination, advocacy, and for the provision of services to older persons, through sub-grantees, in the areas of supportive services and nutrition.