§9-9-12. Diversionary assistance allowance in lieu of monthly cash assistance.

(a) In order to encourage at-risk families not to apply for ongoing monthly cash assistance from the state, the secretary may issue one-time diversionary assistance allowances to families in an amount not to exceed the equivalent of three months of cash assistance in order to enable the families to become immediately self-supporting.

(b) The secretary shall establish by rule the standards to be considered in making diversionary assistance allowances.

(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to require that the department or any assistance issued pursuant to this section be subject to any of the provisions of chapter thirty-one or chapter forty-six-a of this code.