Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no single parent, or both parents meeting all other program requirements, shall be required to work or participate in employment plan activities or rehabilitative plan activities to the extent that appropriate child care is necessary for the parent to do so and the department determines that appropriate child care is unavailable for fiscal or other reasons.

(a)  For purposes of this section, “appropriate child care” means child care that is provided by a person or organization qualified and authorized to provide care by the department of children, youth and families or such other lawful providers as determined by the department of children, youth and families. Child care shall be considered “necessary” under this section for any children below the age of thirteen (13), or any children age thirteen (13) years or older, who are under supervision of the family court or who require care because of a physical or mental impairment.

(b)  The department shall provide transportation support in either the form of a bus pass for use in traveling to work activities, training, or other plan-related needs, or in the form of an allowance for transportation costs necessary to comply with the employment plan as defined in department rules and regulations.