Library: Policy

340:105-10-37. Coordination and resource development

Revised 6-1-08

(a) Policy. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) performs activities which maximize the availability of all services to older persons in the planning and service area (PSA), and reduce duplication of effort. Particular effort is made to coordinate with:

(1) organizations providing child care services for children, assistance to older persons caring for relatives who are children, and respite for families to provide opportunities for older persons to aid or assist on a voluntary basis;

(2) organizations established for the benefit of victims of Alzheimer's disease;

(3) the State Agency and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to:

(A) increase public awareness of mental health disorders;

(B) remove barriers to diagnosis and treatment; and

(C) coordinate mental health services, including mental health screenings, provided with funds expended by the AAA with mental health services provided by community health centers and by other public agencies and nonprofit private organizations;

(4) job training and partnership programs;

(5) Title II programs of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973;

(6) Titles XVI, XVIII, XIX, and XX programs of the Social Security Act;

(7) federal housing programs, United States Housing Act of 1937 or Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959;

(8) Title I programs of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;

(9) adult education programs, Title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or Adult Education Act;

(10) transportation programs, Section 5310 of the Transportation Equity Act;

(11) public health programs, Title XIX of the Public Health Service Act;

(12) energy assistance programs, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981;

(13) weatherization assistance for low income persons, Part A of the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976;

(14) programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant Act; and

(15) trained volunteers providing direct services to older persons and persons with disabilities working when possible with organizations that have experience in providing training, placement, and stipends for volunteers or participants in community services settings such as organizations carrying out federal service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

(b) Authority. The authority for this Section is Section 306(a)(6) of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended and Part 1321.53 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) Procedures. The AAA ensures maximum availability of services to older persons in the PSA, and reduces duplication of effort for all agencies and organizations serving older persons. The AAA staff:

(1) identify federal, state, and local programs which impact or could impact the older persons in the PSA and provide information in order to justify the allocation of funds for aging programs;

(2) make application for alternative sources of funding where appropriate, such as grant writing;

(3) participate in interagency organizations developed for purposes of information sharing, joint planning, and service delivery;

(4) establish public and private coalitions to address the growing needs of older persons in the PSA;

(5) enter into cooperative written agreements with local agencies and organizations in order to clearly outline respective responsibilities and expected outcomes;

(6) extend opportunities for participation in AAA sponsored training to:

(A) local health and social services agencies who serve or advocate for older persons;

(B) businesses; and

(7) participate in training sponsored by other local agencies, organizations, and businesses which improve the skills of AAA staff or otherwise further the interests or needs of older persons in the PSA.

(d) Cross references. See OAC 340:105-10-31(a)(4).