What is the role of social services departments?
Social Services Department in Pennsylvania
It has been said many times that the strength of the state is in its citizens. And it is the state's responsibility to ensure to uplift the living conditions of its citizens. It must provide the help needed by the people, including underprivileged children, people with disabilities, the elderly, youth, women, families, and communities. Social services help to improve lives and alleviate suffering, and Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has many such programs. The department aims to help Pennsylvanians achieve a high quality of life.
Mission Statement
The mission of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services is to “help Pennsylvanians lead safe, healthy, and productive lives through equitable, trauma-informed, and outcome-focused services while being an accountable steward of commonwealth resources.”
Main Social Service Programs
Assistance
● Affordable Care Act (ACA): This healthcare program aims to help individuals and families with inadequate medical care coverage.
● Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program offers cash assistance for low-income families. Their website provides information about eligibility and how to apply.
● Domestic Violence Crisis and Prevention: Victims of domestic violence or witnesses of DV can seek immediate help and legal assistance by calling 1-800-932-4632.
● Employment and Training Programs: Many programs aim to provide training and employment opportunities for residents. You may be eligible for these excellent benefits based on your education level, skills, location, and goals.
Children
Pennsylvania’s DHS believes that early opportunities for young members of the society will help to empower them to become good citizens when they get older. This service initiates some programs such as:
● Child Care and Early Learning: These programs assist parents and guardians in finding suitable schools and provides cash assistance for the expenses. This program also streamlines all of the help needed by children with developmental delays.
● Child Welfare Service: This program ensures the protection of children against any kind of abuse. For reports of child abuse, call 1-800-932-0313.
● Juvenile Justice Services: These programs provide individualized approach treatment for young people at risk of trouble with the law.
Aging and Disabilities
● LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly): This program provides opportunities for the elderly to live independently while obtaining support and services for their overall needs.
● Long-Term Care: These services streamline many benefits to the elderly from home care, medical care, and nursing facility management.
● Assistive Technology: This program aims to supply residents with disabilities with equipment to assist them in their daily lives.
● Autism Services: Pennsylvania’s adult autism programs aim to provide all of the resources needed by residents on the autism spectrum to uplift their quality of life with assistance to their families.
Other Services
● Homeless Assistance Programs (HAP). Assist the homeless and people evicted from their apartments or home. For assistance, you may contact these numbers to ask for aid. You may be able to receive assistance with rent, bridge housing, or emergency shelter.
● Family Planning Services Program. This program covers the cost of office visits, cancer screenings, STD testing, pregnancy counseling, and more for residents. Find more info here, and to apply, complete the application here.
How to Apply for the Programs
DHS allows residents to use different services in three ways; online, in-person, and paper application. Even if you’re not sure which program you need the most, there is the Information Referral Tool to assist you in determining the program based on your needs. Simply answer the questionnaire that will appear on the website.