§ 102 - Definitions and construction
§ 102. Definitions and construction
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided, the words and phrases in this chapter mean:
(1) Aid: financial assistance.
(2) Assistance (when not modified by an adjective): general assistance or public assistance or both.
(3) Benefits: aid or commodities furnished under chapter 17 of this title.
(4) Commissioner: the commissioner for children and families.
(5) Department: the department for children and families.
(6) Federal department (or federal agency): a department or agency of the United States of America.
(7) Guardian: a legal guardian appointed by a probate court, or by a court in a divorce or other proceeding or action.
(8) Public assistance: aid provided by the department under Titles IV, XVI or XIX of the Social Security Act.
(9) Regulation: a rule or regulation.
(10) Secretary: the secretary of the federal department of health and human services.
(11) Social Security Act: the federal Social Security Act and rules and regulations made thereunder, as amended at any time.
(12) Director: the director of the office of Vermont health access.
(13) Office: the office of Vermont health access.
(b) The laws relating to the programs of the department for children and families 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.)