As used in this article, and Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300), the term “social services” includes in-home supportive services, protective services, and children’s out-of-home care services as such services are defined by the department in order to secure maximum federal financial participation. Availability of these services shall be based upon the eligibility criteria set forth by the department and shall include, at a minimum, provision for eligibility based on income and linkage to other public assistance programs. Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting eligibility for protective services and children’s out-of-home care services on the basis of income and linkage to other public assistance programs, to the extent these services are not presently limited on these bases.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 111, Sec. 35. Effective July 30, 2001.)