Section 635.7 - Powers and duties of departmentThe department shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To administer the program.(2) To develop a standardized application for the program.(3) To establish minimum qualifications for program personnel, including:(i) Required training programs to be completed prior to the initial home visit and to include training in substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, drug-exposed infants and parents, infant care, early childhood development, school readiness and parenting.(ii) Knowledge of other relevant services available in the community and this Commonwealth.(iii) Certification as a registered nurse or qualified home visitor under 45 CFR§ 1304.52(d) (relating to human services management).(iv) Continuing education requirements.(4) To approve or deny grant applications for the program in accordance with the following: (i) Grants shall be awarded to qualified community-based programs with strong community representation and support, local resources and the ability to coordinate with other services.(ii) Grants shall be awarded based on weighted criteria that include population demographics, incidence of child abuse and neglect and other criteria deemed appropriate by the department.(iii) The department may rescind a portion of the grant not yet allocated if it determines that the funds are not being properly utilized based upon outcome, expenditure and performance data.(5) To develop and approve an assessment tool to identify first-time, low-income, at-risk parents and families. The assessment tool shall include the identification of risk factors that lead to child abuse or neglect or other negative outcomes.(6) To provide measures and procedures to assess the strengths, weaknesses and successes of the services provided by a grant recipient under this act in accordance with section 8. The measures shall include procedures for periodic reporting during the term of the grant. 2006 , April 12, P.L. 71, No. 23, §7, effective in 60 days [ 6/12/2006].