The county commissioners of counties of the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth class shall have the power and duty, with funds of the county and according to the rules, regulations and standards established by the Department of Human Services, to:
(1) care for any dependent in the county, who is not otherwise cared for;(2) contract with other counties or an individual, association, corporation or other entity for the care of any dependent;(3) contract with any association in this Commonwealth organized to provide a home or employment for individuals with disabilities;(4) pay the cost or part of the cost imposed by law upon county institution districts for patients with mental health needs or intellectual disability;(5) take any other action authorized by law;(6) contract with an individual, association, corporation, institution or governmental agency for the purpose of providing foster home care for individuals over 18 years of age. If, in the discretion of the county commissioners, foster home care is advisable, the county commissioners may expend money for a foster home care in addition to any money paid by the Commonwealth or an individual, association, corporation, institution or governmental agency to or for individuals over 18 years of age;(7) require that an individual cared for in an institution shall pay for the cost of the individual's care to the extent of the individual's available resources; and(8) provide or contract with an individual, corporation, institution or governmental agency to provide care and services designed to help dependents remain in or return to community living, outside county institutions.Added by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 14,§ 4, eff. 7/8/2024.