FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

(a) The commission shall: (1) administer grants and contracts to provide family support services to children and at-risk families; (2) plan, develop, and administer an integrated continuum of care system of programs providing family support services to at-risk families; (3) administer the referral, coordination, and collaboration of family support services under this chapter with similar, existing programs the commission operates; (4) improve the responsiveness of family support services provided to children and at-risk families by facilitating greater coordination and flexibility in the use of funds by state and local service providers; (5) provide greater accountability for family support services in order to demonstrate the impact or public benefit of a program by adopting outcome measures; and (6) assist local communities in the coordination and development of family support services in order to maximize federal, state, and local resources. (b) Family support services under this chapter are intended to: (1) promote healthy outcomes and strengthen support systems for children and at-risk families; (2) assist at-risk families in achieving self-sufficiency and stability; (3) promote workforce participation; and (4) prevent or reduce at-risk behaviors in children and at-risk families, including behaviors that may lead to: (A) child abuse or neglect; (B) delinquency, running away, truancy, dropping out of school, or substance use; or (C) involvement with the child welfare system, the juvenile justice system, or the criminal justice system.