§ 40-5.2-6. Goals. The Rhode Island Works Program shall strive to:

(a) Eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of poverty on families and children by fostering employment and opportunity as a means to economic independence;

(b) Assist participants to gain employment as rapidly as possible, given due consideration to individual circumstances, labor market conditions, the needs of the dependent children for continuing care and protection, and the ultimate goal of long-term economic independence;

(c) Eliminate the stigma of welfare by promoting a philosophy and a perception that the purpose of welfare is to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of poverty on families and children by promoting work opportunities for all Rhode Island residents;

(d) Support and coordinate with activities that promote self-sufficiency and strengthen family life;

(e) Provide a comprehensive support service package that includes: child support, medical assistance, food stamps, child care, transportation, and other support services necessary to promote economic independence;

(f) Promote successful transition from public assistance to employment and reduce the likelihood that participants will need to return to cash assistance through the provision of job readiness activities, employment related skills training, and education activities concurrently with or as necessary, prior to employment or seeking employment, family support skills, and follow-up services for problem resolution and job advancement;

(g) Develop partnerships through the joint efforts of the department of labor and training and the department of human services with employers to create job opportunities and meet the needs of both employers and participants;

(h) Develop partnerships with the Office of Adult Education to provide full-time intensive work readiness services to participants with limited literacy and work experience as well as part-time adult education services that are accessible to working participants so they can increase their earning ability;

(i) Provide a program where it is more advantageous to work than not to work by rewarding self-sufficiency; and

(j) Implement a program that is clear, focused, and simple to administer.

History of Section. (P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 16, § 1.)