This document provides information on the types of activities supported and the categories or characteristics of individuals served under the provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Public Law 97-35, Subtitle C - Block Grants for Social Services, which amends Title XX of the Social Security Act. The Arizona Department of Economic Security under the statutory provisions of the law administers the Arizona Social Services Block Grant Plan. The program period covered corresponds to the State Fiscal Year, which begins on July 1, and ends June 30. State Fiscal Year overlaps portions of previous Federal Fiscal Year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.

The Maricopa County Voluntary Vehicle Repair and Retrofit Program has been suspended due to current economic circumstances that have resulted in a loss of funding for the Program. While the Program is unable to provide financial assistance for vehicle emission repairs, the Air Quality Department recommends that the necessary repair work be completed by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified professionals at an Arizona Green Business repair facility. From its introduction in January 1999 through June 2009, the Voluntary Vehicle Repair and Retrofit Program had been funded by the State of Arizona. From July 2009 through November 2010, the program was funded by an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The Program provided monetary assistance to qualifying owners of older, high-emitting vehicles that had failed a required emissions test. Over the years, the program helped over 11,700 vehicles meet Arizona emissions standards, resulting in the reduction of over 2,100 tons of pollution.

During a fiscal year, employment sites are processed by the Trip Reduction Program. The TRP produces a detailed statistical summary report for each employment and student site. In addition, the TRP Task Force, along with the TRP staff, reviewed and approve Trip Reduction plans. The report tracks and analyzes the commuting habits of employees and students in Maricopa County.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide a practical guide offering a comprehensive overview of the
department’s policies and interpretations of Rule 310. The intent is that this guide will be useful and used. The handbook is organized to respond to topical questions and it is structured to provide answers to the most commonly encountered compliance challenges.

While the economic environment in Arizona has gradually improved, vulnerable individuals and families rely on the Department for life-saving protective services and essential economic support. The Department has made important improvements in how we deliver benefits, goods and services to vulnerable individuals and families. The Plan outlines several of these on-going improvement efforts including cost-saving process improvements, expanded community collaborations, enhanced transparency and increased accountability.

The Arizona Workforce Connection is a statewide system committed to coordinating a comprehensive approach to workforce development. It incorporates the state’s economic development goals and strategies using federal, state, and local resources. The AWC consists of the Governor’s Council on Workforce Policy, 14 Local Workforce Investment Areas along with their respective Local Workforce Investment Boards, comprehensive One-Stop centers, satellite offices, and an array of workforce partners. This report describes how WIA Title IB services are provided in Arizona, highlights local and state accomplishments, and concludes with performance results.

In 1993, Family Support Legislation was passed that defined a family support program for people with developmental disabilities and their families, subject to funding appropriations. This legislation was a result of collaboration with families, advocacy organizations, providers of services, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities in recognition of the significance of family support as a national initiative. While there is no appropriated funding for a family support program in Arizona, the Division integrates the philosophy of the legislation into its activities as indicated in its Credo and Values. This Annual Report highlights initiatives and systems successfully implemented, and describes the ways in which individuals and families are supported through the Division and its many collaborators.