10617. (Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1252.)

In fixing rates for out-of-home care in nonmedical facilities authorized to provide care for recipients of public assistance, the department shall establish a rate plan providing a differential in rate allowances related to the differences in the degree of care required by recipients. The rate structure shall reflect differences in accordance with the specific types of services that are rendered by the facility in providing care for recipients. In establishing the rate structure, the department shall strive to improve and increase the range of services provided by out-of-home facilities in order that recipients may receive the type of care they require at a reasonable cost. In order to keep people in their own homes whenever possible, the department shall develop an expanded range of home care services that will make it possible for people to remain in their own homes or homes of their own choosing with safety. The department shall give particular attention to the training of homemakers to be employed directly by county departments. In developing plans for the recruitment and training of homemakers, the department shall give priority to the training and employment of recipients of public assistance. Emphasis shall be given to arranging hours of work and training so that parents with primary responsibility for the care of children can participate in the program, to the extent not in conflict with federal law.