§ 102. Definitions and construction

(a) As used in this chapter:

(1) “Aid” means financial assistance.

(2) “Assistance,” when not modified by an adjective, means general assistance or public assistance, or both.

(3) “Benefits” means aid or commodities furnished under chapter 17 of this title.

(4) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner for Children and Families.

(5) “Department” means the Department for Children and Families.

(6) “Federal department” or “federal agency” means a department or agency of the United States of America.

(7) “Guardian” means a legal guardian appointed by a Probate Division of the Superior Court or by a court in a divorce or other proceeding or action.

(8) “Public assistance” means aid provided by the Department under Title IV, XVI, or XIX of the Social Security Act.

(9) “Regulation” means a rule or regulation.

(10) [Repealed.]

(11) “Social Security Act” means the federal Social Security Act and regulations promulgated under the Act, as amended at any time.

(b) The laws relating to the Department for Children and Families and its programs shall be construed liberally to carry out the policies stated in this chapter. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 1; amended 1973, No. 101, § 6; 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. April 14, 1974; 1999, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 68; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2009, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § I.36; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. May 20, 2014; 2015, No. 23, § 152; 2021, No. 20, § 271.)