CHAPTER 2. Definitions [10050. - 10063.]

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC 2.

in effect

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10050. Section 10050.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions set forth in this chapter govern the construction of this division.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10051. Section 10051.

“Public social services” means those activities and functions of state and local government administered or supervised by the department or the State Department of Health Services and involved in providing aid or services or both, including health care services and medical assistance, to those people of the state who, because of their economic circumstances or social condition, are in need thereof and may benefit thereby.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10052. Section 10052.

“Aid” means financial assistance provided to or in behalf of needy persons under the terms of this division, including direct money payments and vendor payments.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10053. Section 10053.

(a) “Services” means those activities and functions performed by social work staff and related personnel of the department and county departments with or in behalf of individuals or families, which are directed toward the improvement of the capabilities of the individuals or families maintaining or achieving a sound family life, rehabilitation, self-care, and economic independence. (b) Services for children shall include the coordinated efforts of the State Departments of Social Services and Education to ensure that all children in receipt of aid under CalWORKs are afforded the opportunity to participate and progress under an educational program that will lead to their functioning at full capacity upon reaching maturity. The educational services aspect of public social services includes education for parents in food preparation and provision for nutritional supplements to the extent necessary and as authorized by Article 9 (commencing with Section 49510 of Chapter 9 of Part 27 of the Education Code.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10053.25. Section 10053.25.

Funding of Sections 10053 and 14503 is subject to the provisions of Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 10100). The level of funding for Sections 14503 and 14504 shall not fall below the total amount appropriated for family planning services in the 1977–78 fiscal year.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10054. Section 10054.

“Department” means the State Department of Social Services.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10055. Section 10055.

“Director” means the Director of Social Services.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10056. Section 10056.

“Board” means the State Social Services Advisory Board. Whenever any reference is made in any provision of law to the “State Benefits and Services Advisory Board”, it shall mean the State Social Services Advisory Board.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10057. Section 10057.

“Board of supervisors” means the county board of supervisors.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10058. Section 10058.

“County department” means the county agency designated by the board of supervisors, or by such other authority as may be provided in the county charter, as responsible for the administration of public social services.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10059. Section 10059.

“County director” means the director or other chief executive of the county department.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10060. Section 10060.

“Regulations” includes but is not limited to standards of eligibility for aid and services, procedures necessary for the proper and efficient administration of public social services, and standards as to conditions which must be met by agencies or individuals subject to licensing or supervision by the department or the State Department of Health Services.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10061. Section 10061.

“Public assistance” and “public assistance programs” refer to those public social services programs provided for in Part 3 of this division.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10062. Section 10062.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Department of Health Services and the Director of Health Services shall have those powers and duties conferred by state law upon the State Department of Social Services and its director as is necessary to carry out the purposes imposed on it by this chapter.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 10063. Section 10063.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the name of the program provided for pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11200) is hereby changed to the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids program, referred to as CalWORKs. (b) Any reference to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program, Family Group and Unemployment program, and the Greater Avenues for Independence program shall be deemed to refer to the CalWORKs program.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026