Section 326.1  Purpose

a)         The purpose of these rules is to describe the Department's statewide planning responsibilities.  To fulfill its mandate to children and families as efficiently and effectively as possible, the Department shall perform planning activities to identify service needs; project future demand for services; determine Department priorities; allocate resources according to needs, demands and priorities; develop policies and programs to make wise use of allocated resources; and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of those programs.

b)         Planning responsibilities affect the overall number of children and families served, the kinds and units of service provided, the development of new initiatives and corrective action plans, the allocation of resources, and the use of staff time in delivering services.