SERVICE PROGRAMS AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS

(a) The department may provide mental health services through halfway houses, sheltered workshops, community centers, and other mental health services programs. (b) The department may operate or contract for the provision of part or all of the sheltered workshop services and may contract for the sale of goods produced and services provided by a sheltered workshop program. The goods and services may be sold for cash or on credit. (c) An operating fund may be established for each sheltered workshop the department operates. Each operating fund must be in a national or state bank that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (d) Money derived from gifts or grants received for sheltered workshop purposes and the proceeds from the sale of sheltered workshop goods and services shall be deposited to the credit of the operating fund. The money in the fund may be spent only in the operation of the sheltered workshop to: (1) purchase supplies, materials, services, and equipment; (2) pay salaries of and wages to participants and employees; (3) construct, maintain, repair, and renovate facilities and equipment; and (4) establish and maintain a petty cash fund of not more than $100. (e) Money in an operating fund that is used to pay salaries of and wages to participants in the sheltered workshop program is money the department holds in trust for the participants' benefit. (f) This section does not affect the authority or jurisdiction of a community center as prescribed by Chapter 534.