PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To enable each State to furnish social services best suited to the needs of the individuals residing in the State. Federal block grant funds may be used to provide services directed toward one of the following five goals specified in the law: (1) To prevent, reduce, or eliminate dependency; (2) to achieve or maintain self-sufficiency; (3) to prevent neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults; (4) to prevent or reduce inappropriate institutional care; and (5) to secure admission or referral for institutional care when other forms of care are not appropriate. In addition, special funding was provided to some states in fiscal year 1995 and 1996 for supplemental SSBG grants in support comprehensive community revitalization projects in 104 federally designated Empowerment Zones (EZs) and Enterprise Communities (ECs). The supplemental funding is called "EZ/EC SSBG." The States, through the designated localities, may use the EZ/EC SSBG funds for activities included in each locality's strategic plan for comprehensive revitalization and directed toward goals 1, 2 or 3 listed above. These funds will remain available until December 21, 2004. Information about this component of the SSBG is included below as appropriate.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. INCOME SECURITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES;
- Specialized Family and Child Welfare Services;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Individual/Family;
- Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans);

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);