(a) The Department of Social Services shall establish a program for shelter services for victims of household abuse and may contract with any nonprofit organization to provide such services in the locality served by such nonprofit organization. The program may include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Rental and maintenance of a shelter facility; (2) provision for support staff; (3) provision for emergency food and living expenses; and (4) such social services as are deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Social Services.

(b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 necessary to implement the purposes of this section.