The Florida Senate

414.1585  Diversion program for families at risk of welfare dependency due to substance abuse or mental illness.--

(1)  The diversion program for families at risk of welfare dependency due to substance abuse or mental illness is intended to provide services and one-time payments to assist families in avoiding welfare dependency and to stabilize families, so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives and so that families can be self-sufficient.

(2)  Before finding a family eligible for the diversion program created under this section, a determination must be made that:

(a)  The family includes a pregnant woman or a parent with one or more minor children or a caretaker relative with one or more minor children.

(b)  The family meets criteria established by the department that one or more individuals in the family are at risk of or are impaired due to substance abuse or mental illness.

(c)  The services or one-time payment provided are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.

(3)  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in s. 414.075, s. 414.085, or s. 414.095, a family meeting the criteria of subsection (2) shall be considered a needy family and shall be deemed eligible under this section.

(4)  The department is authorized to adopt rules governing the administration of this section and may establish additional criteria related to services, client need, or one-time payments. The department may establish maximum amounts of one-time payments in rule.

(5)  Receipt of services or a one-time payment under this section shall not preclude eligibility for, or receipt of, other assistance or services under this chapter.

History.--s. 19, ch. 99-241.