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THE SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT:
TITLE XX OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT
The American Psychological Association (APA) believes that the services provided by Title XX are essential for the well-being of many vulnerable Americans. We recommend that Congress restore the funding of this program to the authorized level of $2.38 billion.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Title XX is an integral part of the Social Security Act. Title XX was signed into law in 1975 as part of the Social Security Act. It allowed states to receive grants from the federal government for their spending on social services programs that already qualified for a federal subsidy. The program was established as a capped entitlement with a ceiling of expenditures of $2.5 billion.
Title XX funds have been cut by over one-third in recent years. Title XX has decreased from $2.8 billion in FY96 to $1.9 billion in FY99. The current authorization for spending is $2.38 billion.
Title XX is the largest source of federal funding for social services in several states. These services benefit the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children.
As more families leave welfare, more social services will be needed. By the end of 1998, many families with small children began leaving the welfare rolls in several states. The services that Title XX funds are essential supports for these families and other vulnerable Americans.
TITLE XX SERVICES
Social Services Block Grant (Title XX) services have specific goals for assistance to vulnerable populations. The programs must meet the goals of (1) achieving or maintaining economic self-support; (2) achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency; (3) preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults who are unable to protect themselves; (4) preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing less restrictive alternatives; and (5) securing referral or admission for institutional care when other alternatives are not appropriate, or providing services to individuals in institutions.
Title XX funds provide needed social services. The federal law allows the funds to be used for child care; protective services for children and adults; adult day care; employment services; referral and counseling; meal preparation and delivery; family planning; health support services; and services to meet special needs of children, aged, mentally retarded, physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed, alcoholics, and drug addicts.
Examples of Title XX Services provided in the last reported year. Prevention and Intervention services to over 540,000 households; Counseling to over 315,000 adults and children; Case Management to over 450,000 adults and children; Substance Abuse Services to almost 9,000 recipients; Residential Treatment Services to over 50,000 children and adults; Services to over 49,000 Youth at Risk.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Title XX funding must be restored to its authorized level of $2.38 billion.
Funding for Title XX must be maintained in future years without sacrificing or reducing other important health and social service programs.
If you have any questions about this briefing sheet or about the American Psychological Association, please contact Daniel Dodgen, Ph.D. at (202) 336-6068.
April 1999
Daniel Dodgen, Ph.D.
Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer
Public Policy Office
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone 202-336-6062
FAX 202 336-6063
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