(a) The Department of Social Services shall plan, develop, administer, operate, evaluate and provide funding for services for individuals and families served by the department who are in need of personal or economic development. In cooperation with other social service agencies and organizations, including community-based agencies, the department shall work to develop and fund prevention, intervention and treatment services for individuals and families. The department shall: (1) Provide appropriate services to individuals and families as needed through direct social work services rendered by the department and contracted services from community-based organizations funded by the department; (2) collect, interpret and publish statistics relating to individuals and families serviced by the department; (3) monitor, evaluate and review any program or service which is developed, operated or funded by the department; (4) supervise the establishment of pilot programs funded by the department in local communities which assist and support individuals and families in personal and economic development; (5) improve the quality of services provided, operated and funded by the department and increase the competency of its staff relative to the provision of effective social services by establishing and supporting ongoing staff development and training; and (6) encourage citizen participation in the development of social service priorities and programs.

(b) The Department of Social Services, in conjunction with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Aging and Disability Services, may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to establish requirements with respect to the submission of reports concerning financial solvency and quality of care by nursing homes for the purpose of determining the financial viability of such homes, identifying homes that appear to be experiencing financial distress and examining the underlying reasons for such distress. Such reports shall be submitted to the Nursing Home Financial Advisory Committee established under § 17b-339.