40-101 GENERAL POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES

.1 General Policies and Principles

Assistance is to be administered in a manner which is consistent with and will help achieve basic program purposes; which respects individual rights under the U. S. Constitution, State and Federal laws which does not violate individual privacy or personal dignity.

The following policies and principles govern the delivery of public assistance:

.11 Assistance is to be administered promptly and humanely, with due regard to the preservation of family life and without discrimination. Compliance with all civil rights laws, rules and regulations of Division 21 is required in the administration of these regulations, including compliance by contractors and subcontractors. Assistance is to be so administered as to encourage self-respect, self-reliance, and the desire to be a good citizen useful to society.

.12 It is the responsibility on all who are concerned with the administration of aid to do so with courtesy, consideration, and respect toward applicants and recipients and without attempting to elicit any unnecessary information. Administrative duties should be performed in such a manner as to secure for every applicant and recipient the amount of aid to which he or she is entitled under the law.

.13 All applications and records are confidential and not open to examination for any purpose not directly connected with the administration of these programs (see Division 19).

.14 The provisions of the law relating to public assistance are to be fairly and equitably construed.

.15 Aid is to be provided to every applicant in his or her own home or in some other suitable home of his or her own choosing in preference to placement in an institution.

.16 There is to be no question, inquiry, or recommendation relating to the political or religious opinions or affiliations of an applicant or recipient.

.17 Applications for public assistance are to be reviewed promptly in accord with regulations prescribed by the State Department of Social Services, and when appropriate, with regulations prescribed by the State Department of Health Services.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 10553, 10554, 10605, 11053, 11102, and 11369, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Sections 10553, 10554, 10605, Welfare and Institutions Code.

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RECEPTION AND APPLICATION