Public Welfare Dept

The Department of Public Welfare, a part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a human service provider. Its Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) offers early childhood programs and prevention strategies to mitigate challenges that affect school readiness and academic success. The office operates the Bureau of Early Intervention Services, which supports at-risk infants and toddlers with several disabilities and developmental delays. The department additionally maintains the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), which provides services and programs for individuals with mental retardation and autism. The Department of Public Welfare s Office of Income Maintenance (OIM) is responsible for the administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Its Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) includes a variety of services, such as case management, emergency shelter, bridge housing and rental assistance.