(a) Investigate the family circumstances of each child reported as destitute in order to determine what care, supervision or treatment, if any, such child requires.

(b) Administer and supervise relief to families with destitute children when such families are unable to care for such children and relief is necessary to prevent the separation of children from their parents.

(c) Furnish children, whose parents or guardians are unable to do so, with suitable clothing, shoes, books, food and other necessaries to enable them to attend upon instruction as required by law. 2. As to neglected and abused children:

(a) Investigate complaints of neglect and abuse of children and offer protective social services to prevent injury to the child, to safeguard his welfare, and to preserve and stabilize family life wherever possible.

(b) Bring such case when necessary before the family court for adjudication.

(c) Institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction against a parent or adult for neglect or abuse of a child. 3. Provide any necessary medical or hospital care for such children when responsible for the provision of such care under section sixty-nine. 4. The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to confer on social services officials responsible only for the authorization of safety net assistance or of safety net assistance and hospital care, any powers and duties in relation to destitute and neglected children except as follows:

(a) As to destitute children:

(1) Authorize relief to families with destitute children when such families are unable to care for such children and relief is necessary to prevent the separation of children from their parents.

(2) Furnish children, whose parents or guardians are unable to do so, with suitable clothing, shoes, books, food and other necessaries to enable them to attend upon instruction as required by law.

(b) As to neglected and abused children: Report to the county commissioner any complaint they may receive of neglect and abuse of children.

(c) Provide any necessary medical care or hospital care for such children when responsible for the provision of such care under section sixty-nine.