Page 18

Child Care Scholarship Policy Manual 18

Chapter 1 Introduction to The Child Care Scholarship Program DSS Mission Statement To serve South Carolina by promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, helping individuals achieve stability and strengthening families. This mission is accomplished through the core principles of competence, courage and compassion.

1.1 PROGRAM PURPOSE AND LEGAL BASIS 1.1.1 PURPOSE OF THE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) administers the child care subsidy program, hereafter referred to as the Child Care Scholarship Program. Child care services provided through this program are funded by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and State dollars. The CCDF is under the administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families and is distributed to the states to provide child care services for low income families. The purpose of the Child Care Scholarship Program is to: A. Increase the availability, affordability, accessibility and quality of child care for families in the state of South Carolina. B. Assist families in achieving and maintaining economic self-support and self- sufficiency. The goals of economic independence and prevention of welfare dependency are promoted through the belief that continued employment results in more secure families. This program reinforces the idea that the strength of the family is important to the state's and the nation's economy. Targeting families that are attempting to achieve and maintain economic independence from welfare is a concern of state and federal government.