The Municipality of Saco administers a general assistance (GA) program available to all persons who are eligible pursuant to the standards provided in this chapter, state law (22 M.R.S.A. §§ 4301-4326), and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulations.
A.
The program will make every effort to recognize the dignity of applicants while helping eligible persons achieve self-maintenance by promoting the work incentive. When possible, the program will connect recipients with rehabilitative, preventive, and protective services to alleviate non-financial needs. The GA program will not place unreasonable restrictions on the personal rights of applicants or recipients, nor will it discriminate based on sex, age, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The municipality is committed to including qualified individuals with disabilities in municipal services, programs, and activities. As a result, the municipality will promote a GA program, that when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. GA applicants with physical or mental disabilities that require a reasonable accommodation in order to access and/or utilize the GA program are encouraged to contact the municipality to make an accommodation request.
B.
The program provides trauma-informed services and culturally and linguistically appropriate services to all applicants. "Trauma-informed services" means services that acknowledge and are informed by the widespread effects of trauma and recognize the potential paths for recovery; recognize the unique signs and symptoms of trauma in applicants, clients, families and staff; respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures and practices; and seek to actively avoid retraumatization. "Culturally and linguistically appropriate services" means services that are designed to serve culturally diverse populations in a person's preferred language; function effectively within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors and needs presented by a person who applies to or is a recipient of assistance from the program and the person's community; contribute to a work environment that supports diversity; promote community engagement; build trust and relationships with applicants and recipients; actively support and enable recipients to make informed choices; and value and facilitate the exchange of information with recipients. (22 M.R.S.A. § 4305(7)).
C.
The Administrator will act promptly on all applications for assistance and requests for fair hearings and will provide GA applicants with information regarding their rights and responsibilities under the program. Within 24 hours after receipt of an application, the Administrator will provide the applicant a written decision, whether or not assistance is granted, that will state the specific reasons for the decision. The Administrator will also provide the applicant written notice that the applicant may appeal to the municipal fair hearing authority if dissatisfied with the decision. When an applicant is determined to be eligible, assistance appropriate to the need will be furnished within 24 hours after the completed application is submitted except when the Administrator issues non-emergency assistance conditionally on the successful completion of a workfare assignment (see § 112-23).
D.
The Administrator will maintain complete and accurate records pertaining to each applicant and recipient. These records are confidential as a matter of law. (22 M.R.S.A. § 4306).
E.
The Administrator will post notice stating the regular business hours when an application may be obtained, the designated business hours when an application may be accepted and processed, and the Administrator, or other designated person/entity that will be available to take applications in an emergency at all other times. A copy of this chapter and Maine GA law will be available to any member of the public upon request. Notice to this effect will be posted.
F.
The Administrator will complete training including, but not limited to, the purpose of the GA program, the delivery of trauma-informed services and culturally linguistically appropriate services as defined above, and the laws governing the GA program's administration, procedures, and requirements no later than 120 days after appointment or election. (22 M.R.S.A. § 4302-A).