CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

  Section 1. Purpose Statement. The purpose of these rules is to establish policies and procedures for juvenile community alternatives and to establish rules for the granting of contracts for funding as presented in the budget and budget narrative of the Division of Public Assistance & Social Services.

The purpose of this program is to:

  (a) Work on the immediate problems of troubled youth in Wyoming communities;

  (b) Work with children and families to encourage the resolution of intrafamily problems through counseling and other services;

  (c) Strengthen family relationships and promote stable living conditions for troubled youth;

  (d) Help youth decide on a future course of action;

  (e) Provide appropriate alternatives to involvement in the correctional system.

  Section 2. Statutory Authority. These rules are adopted pursuant to W.S. 9-2-102 (f) through (n), and 9-2-106.

  Section 3. Severability. If any provision of these rules or their application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions of applications of these rules that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and, to this end, the provisions of these rules are severable.

  Section 4. Effective Date. In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, W.S. 16-3-101 to 16-3-115, these rules are effective upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State.

  Section 5. Applicability of Rules. These rules shall govern all entities applying for and/or receiving contracts for community services for youth.

  Section 6. Definitions. As used in these rules, the term or phrase:

  (a) "Administrator" means the administrator of the Division of Public Assistance & Social Services.

  (b) "Division" means the Division of Public Assistance & Social Services of the State Department of Health and Social Services.

  (c) "Juvenile community alternatives" means projects in a county to divert juveniles from approved correctional programs. The term does not include shelter services.

  (d) "Task Force" means five (5) persons appointed by the Governor who review applications for funding and select the best applications based on a list of priorities. These recommendations are then forwarded to the Administrator.

  (e) "Troubled youth" means persons under the age of 19 with behavioral problems with or without emotional disorders who have had or who have a high risk of immediate contact with the juvenile justice system, but does not include persons whose primary problem is a physical handicap or a developmental disability.