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Community/Municipal Services

    Results: 46

  • Adoption Services (1)
    PH-0300

    Adoption Services

    PH-0300

    Programs that participate in arranging permanent homes under new legal parentage for individuals whose birth parents are unable or unwilling to provide for their care. Included are programs that provide counseling and assistance for people who decide to relinquish their children for adoption or arrange for an independent adoption; which recruit, select, counsel and match suitable adoptive parents with children who have been relinquished; which assist in the adoption of stepchildren, adults or foreign-born children; which provide foster care for children who have been relinquished for adoption but not yet placed; and/or which assist people who are adopted to locate their birth parents and birth parents to locate the children they relinquished.
  • Animal Adoption (1)
    PD-7600.0100

    Animal Adoption

    PD-7600.0100

    Programs that place stray and homeless domestic pets with people who are willing to provide for their care; find homes for wild burros, horses or other animals who are being removed from their natural environment; or place retired race horses, show horses, greyhounds and other animals when their racing or show careers have come to an end. Included are websites where animals available for adoption can be listed.
  • Animal Control (1)
    PD-0700.0400

    Animal Control

    PD-0700.0400

    Programs that pick up and impound or return to their owners domestic animals who have strayed from their homes. Also included are programs that enforce leash laws and animal sanitation ordinances and those that handle complaints regarding domestic animals who have bitten someone or are otherwise making nuisances of themselves. Most animal control programs are unable to handle nuisance wildlife unless the animal is sick or shows symptoms of rabies.
  • Animal Licenses (1)
    PD-0700.0600

    Animal Licenses

    PD-0700.0600

    Programs that issue licenses for domestic animals who are subject to regulation. Annual licensing is required for dogs of a specified age (rabies certificates are usually required) and, frequently, for equines (horses, mules, ponies, donkeys, burros) who reside in some areas. Optional identification tags are available for cats and are usually valid for the lifetime of the animal. Licensing fees are usually reduced for neutered dogs or dogs who are certified by a veterinarian as being unable to reproduce; dog guides may receive permanent licenses for a very nominal fee. In many jurisdictions, special licenses may be required for people keeping exotic pets (e.g. tigers, wolves) that may require special conditions and/or pose a possible risk to the public if not properly secured.
  • Animal Lost and Found (3)
    PD-7600.0300

    Animal Lost and Found

    PD-7600.0300

    Programs that assist people who have lost their pets to obtain information, if available, about the pet's location. These programs may provide registration services and identification tags which inform people who find a lost pet about who to call, and/or may maintain an information network to match details on lost pets with details about those people have found.
  • Animal Shelters (3)
    PD-7600.0600

    Animal Shelters

    PD-7600.0600

    Programs that provide protection and care for unwanted pets or stray animals, and hold them for a specified period of time to provide an opportunity for owners to claim them prior to offering them for adoption. Included are shelters that euthanize the animals if not adopted within a specified amount of time, as well as "no kill" shelters that will keep the animals until they are adopted.
  • Burial Benefits (2)
    NS-1000

    Burial Benefits

    NS-1000

    Public programs that pay a portion of the funeral expenses of individuals who qualify, i.e., persons entitled to Social Security and/or veteran benefits.
  • Certificates/Forms Assistance (1)
    FT-1020

    Certificates/Forms Assistance

    FT-1020

    Programs that help people obtain, complete and/or file official forms, certificates, documents, applications or other paperwork that is required to apply for benefits or services, initiate or respond to legal action or to officially handle or document the occurrence of a transaction; that help people acquire copies of official documents on file elsewhere; or that review legal documentation an individual has received to help explain its meaning.
  • Child Care Provider Referrals (2)
    PH-2400.1500

    Child Care Provider Referrals

    PH-2400.1500

    Programs that provide statewide and community-based services that are designed to improve the availability and quality of child care. These programs maintain lists of child care resources and link families who are in need of child care services with child care centers, licensed family child care homes and other organization-based providers; provide information that helps families become good consumers of child care services; recruit new child care providers to expand the availability of the service locally; provide training and technical assistance for providers; and collect and disseminate data which document the demand for child care services and the current availability of child care resources. Some programs may also make referrals to preschools and many provide referrals to children's play groups.
  • Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections (1)
    JR-8200.8500-160

    Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections

    JR-8200.8500-160

    Programs, often offered by police and fire personnel, that conduct inspections which offer guidance regarding child passenger safety seats and the law, choosing a car seat that is appropriate for a particular child's height and weight, correct car seat installation and restraining a child in a car seat.
  • Community Courts (1)
    FC-8200.8100-140

    Community Courts

    FC-8200.8100-140

    Local courts whose function is to try cases involving vandalism, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, public urination, shoplifting, trespassing, prostitution and other offenses that affect the quality of life in a community. Most community courts are initiated by other courts or local district attorneys, are structured to serve a particular neighborhood and are located in the area they serve. A few serve entire cities. The specific focus of these courts depends on the nature of the problems in the communities they serve and the concerns of the residents and business people who live and/or work there. Offenders are often required to make restitution by providing service in the community in which their crimes were committed and may be ordered to participate in social services such as counseling, drug treatment and job training when warranted.
  • Cruelty to Animals Investigation (1)
    PD-7600.1500

    Cruelty to Animals Investigation

    PD-7600.1500

    Programs that investigate reports of cruelty to animals, intervene in these situations and, when warranted, remove animals who have been abused or neglected and initiate legal proceedings against abusive owners.
  • Election Information (2)
    TQ-1800.1600

    Election Information

    TQ-1800.1600

    Programs that publish and/or distribute voter information guides, sample ballots and other materials that provide information regarding the positions of rival candidates in an election, summaries of the pros and cons of specific ballot measures (including potential costs to taxpayers and arguments for and against individual measures prepared by proponents and opponents), rules for same day voter registration and general information about precinct boundaries, the location and hours of polling places, early voting options, secured vote by mail ballot drop-off locations (where available), as well as other details regarding the content or the mechanics of the election.
  • Errand Running/Shopping Assistance (1)
    PH-3300.1800

    Errand Running/Shopping Assistance

    PH-3300.1800

    Programs that offer the services of individuals who are available to make short trips to purchase groceries, pick up prescriptions, withdraw or deposit money in the bank, drop off or retrieve laundry and do other small tasks for older adults, people with disabilities and other individuals who cannot leave their homes or are otherwise unable or prefer not to perform these tasks for themselves.
  • Expectant/New Parent Assistance (1)
    PH-6100.1800

    Expectant/New Parent Assistance

    PH-6100.1800

    Programs that provide educational and supportive services for new parents or those expecting a child, to prepare them on an emotional and practical level for the impact the newborn will have on their lives and relationships. Initial focus areas include healthy eating for the mother, danger signs in pregnancy, sibling preparation and being ready for labor and delivery, followed by practical information on basic infant care, newborn behaviors, baby supplies, bathing techniques, diapering, breastfeeding and other feeding options, as well as infant and childhood illnesses. Later topics may include walking, talking, toilet training and other aspects of child development, all to help ensure that infants and toddlers are nurtured, live in a safe environment and receive proper health care. Included are programs open to all as well those targeting special populations such as low income individuals or teenagers.
  • Family Based Services (1)
    PH-2360

    Family Based Services

    PH-2360

    Programs that provide a wide variety of social services that are designed to support healthy family development, improve the family's ability to resolve problems (such as poverty, unemployment, ill health, homelessness, substandard housing, educational difficulties, substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy, delinquency and physical and developmental problems) and prevent the need for unnecessary placement of children in foster care, group homes, inpatient substance abuse or mental health treatment programs, residential training schools or other alternative environments when family problems reach crisis proportions. Services may include home visiting services that focus on public health issues (especially prenatal), mental health and substance abuse counseling, home management instruction, success in a child care setting, parenting skills development, stress management, tutoring, pregnancy awareness and AIDS awareness; may be available to the community at large, to families at risk for dissolution or those currently in crisis; and may be offered by a single agency or a coalition of agencies that have agreed to provide services according to a coordinated case plan.
  • Family Preservation Programs (1)
    PH-2360.2350

    Family Preservation Programs

    PH-2360.2350

    Programs that provide a variety of short-term, intensive, home-based intervention services for families experiencing a crisis that is so severe that children are at imminent risk for placement outside the family setting. Services, which are aimed at ameliorating the underlying causes of family dysfunction, are generally time-limited, of fairly short duration and available on a 24-hour basis. Also included are other family preservation program models whose programs vary in terms of the population served, the level of intensity of services provided and the length of services. The objective of family preservation programs is to preserve the family as a unit and prevent unnecessary placement of the children in foster care, a group home, an inpatient substance abuse or mental health treatment program, a residential training school or other alternative living arrangement.
  • Foster Home Placement (1)
    PH-2400.1900

    Foster Home Placement

    PH-2400.1900

    Programs that link individuals who are in need of alternative living arrangements with appropriate private family homes that are licensed to provide foster care. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and, in some situations, licensing is not required at all. Programs that provide placement services for children and adults with disabilities are generally also responsible for recruiting, training, certifying and monitoring placements in family homes and for providing support for the family and the individual(s) with disabilities who live with them.
  • Friendly Visiting (3)
    PH-1400.1900-230

    Friendly Visiting

    PH-1400.1900-230

    Programs that use "friendly visitors" (usually volunteers but also paid hourly companions) to call on people who are hospitalized or in another institutional setting, who are homebound or socially isolated due to disability or old age, or otherwise lack companionship with the objective of brightening their day and helping them to maintain contact with the outside world by reading, talking, listening, writing letters or performing other similar tasks.
  • Home Maintenance and Minor Repair Services (3)
    PH-3300.2750

    Home Maintenance and Minor Repair Services

    PH-3300.2750

    Programs that provide assistance for people who need to do routine maintenance on their homes or make minor repairs.
  • Housekeeping Assistance (1)
    PH-3300.3100

    Housekeeping Assistance

    PH-3300.3100

    Programs that offer the services of workers who go into people's homes and help with house cleaning chores.
  • Land Deeds/Titles (1)
    DF-7000.8350-450

    Land Deeds/Titles

    DF-7000.8350-450

    Programs that issue, maintain on file, retrieve and, where appropriate, provide access to the official document that transfers ownership of land from one individual to another or which otherwise provides evidence of the individual's entitlement to the property.
  • Libraries (4)
    TJ-4400

    Libraries

    TJ-4400

    Facilities which house a collection of materials including books, manuscripts, journals, government documents and nonprint formats such as paintings, musical recordings, videotapes, films and data files on magnetic tape which are organized to provide physical, bibliographic and intellectual access to a targeted group of people and which generally make available staff to provide services and programs related to the information needs of the targeted group.
  • Life Coaching (1)
    PH-6200.4550

    Life Coaching

    PH-6200.4550

    Programs that offer the services of a "life coach" who helps people articulate their dreams, clarify their mission in life, identify specific goals, develop concrete action plans, take advantage of feedback and support and move beyond barriers and self-sabotage. Life coaching differs from psychotherapy in that it is not designed to treat diagnosable mental disorders such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse, but rather draws on people's strengths and inner resources to create a life of fulfillment, accomplishment and balance. It is usually offered over the telephone with weekly appointments, but face-to-face, email and instant message sessions may also be available.
  • Local Officials Offices (2)
    TD-6600.4500

    Local Officials Offices

    TD-6600.4500

    The offices of individuals who have been appointed or elected to a town, city, county or other local public office for a specified tenure and who are thereby in a position to exercise that portion of the sovereign functions of government that are conferred on that office. Forty-eight of the 50 states have operational county governments. Connecticut and Rhode Island are divided into geographic regions called counties, but they do not have functioning governments. Alaska calls its counties boroughs and Louisiana calls them parishes. Cities and towns may also have other designations including townships, boroughs and villages.
  • Low Cost Building Materials/Supplies (1)
    BH-3000.4600

    Low Cost Building Materials/Supplies

    BH-3000.4600

    Programs that provide access to building materials at below market costs. In many cases, the materials have been recovered from obsolete buildings by building deconstruction programs and made available for reuse by communities as an alternative to purchasing new materials.
  • Marriage Licenses (1)
    DF-7000.5000

    Marriage Licenses

    DF-7000.5000

    Programs that issue permits, which are usually addressed to the minister or magistrate who is going to perform the ceremony, that provide written authorization for two people to marry. Also included are programs that maintain copies of marriage licenses and make copies available upon request.
  • Neuter/Spay Services (2)
    PD-9000.6000

    Neuter/Spay Services

    PD-9000.6000

    Programs that surgically alter animals to prevent them from reproducing. "Spay" refers to the surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes of a female animal; "neuter" refers to the surgical removal of the testes of a male animal.
  • Parenting Materials (1)
    PH-6100.6700

    Parenting Materials

    PH-6100.6700

    Programs that offer any of a wide variety of resources including books, audiotapes, video cassettes and learning games that provide information, techniques and suggestions for activities which enable parents to be more effective in their parenting role.
  • Parenting Skills Classes (3)
    PH-6100.6800

    Parenting Skills Classes

    PH-6100.6800

    Programs that teach skills that enable parents to deal constructively and consistently with a broad spectrum of child rearing problems which may include sibling rivalry; school behavior and performance; poor self-esteem; shyness; drug use; sexual promiscuity; and the whole range of negative, acting-out behaviors including whining, temper tantrums, disobedience, insolence and destructiveness. Some parenting skills development programs utilize a step-by-step approach for managing specific problems and may incorporate application at home of techniques that were discussed and practiced in the classroom setting. Other programs may offer participatory family workshops which provide opportunities for parents and children to learn and practice methods for dealing with one another under the guidance of a trained facilitator. Most training programs teach the parent a particular way of talking and relating to their children that reinforces positive behaviors and communication and decreases negative behaviors while supporting the development of a relationship that is built on fairness, mutual caring and respect.
  • Passports (1)
    DF-7000.6650

    Passports

    DF-7000.6650

    Public sector offices known as passport acceptance facilities that have been authorized by the U.S. Department of State to accept and verify the documents, applicant signatures and identity for passport applications; place all of the documents and required photos into a specially sealed, tamperproof envelope that may only be opened by State Department officials; and forward them for processing. This is required for ALL passport applicants for a new adult passport, child (minor) passport, or lost, stolen or damaged passport applications. Most passport acceptance facilities are found in local post offices, county clerk's offices and some library locations. Passports are official documents which identify citizens, serve as written authorization from government authorities for citizens to travel abroad and, in effect, request foreign powers to allow bearers to enter and pass freely and safely. U.S. passports can be renewed by mail provided that the old passport was issued within the last 15 years, that the individual was age 16 or older at the time, and that, if applicable, proof of name change is provided. The old valid passport, a color passport photo, a completed DS-82 form and a check or money order for the fee must be submitted.
  • Personal Care (2)
    PH-3300.6500

    Personal Care

    PH-3300.6500

    Programs that offer the services of paraprofessional aides who provide assistance with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming and mouth care), clothing care, ambulation, seating, toileting, housekeeping (changing bed linens or other chores that are essential to the individual's health and comfort), food preparation and nutritional and environmental support for recently discharged hospital patients, elderly people and people with disabilities in their own homes or other settings. Personal care may also include supervision which involves cueing, reminding, prompting or directing daily activities, as needed, but does not include medical services.
  • Polling Places (1)
    TQ-1800.6500

    Polling Places

    TQ-1800.6500

    Community organizations, churches and other facilities that have been designated as places where people can vote during local, county, state and national elections. Included are polling sites for the election of school board members as well as those for elections involving political offices.
  • Property Tax Information (2)
    DT-8700.6500

    Property Tax Information

    DT-8700.6500

    Programs that provide information and guidance for people who need to understand the property tax laws as they relate to individuals in their situation. Most states have provisions for property tax relief, but they vary widely in form. Some jurisdictions levy the tax and provide a true refund of all or a portion of the paid tax; some exempt the property altogether; some defer the property tax until after the death of the owner and then recoup the tax from the proceeds of the sale of the property; some have a blanket exemption in which all property owners over the age of 65 are exempt from all property taxes regardless of income; and some allow a tax credit to be applied toward the income tax for qualified property owners. In the latter situation, individuals not paying income tax may receive a refund of the property tax credit amount or no refund at all, depending on the tax laws of the jurisdiction. Most states determine eligibility for property tax relief by looking at combinations of age, income, disability and veteran status.
  • Relationship Workshops (1)
    PH-6200.7000

    Relationship Workshops

    PH-6200.7000

    Programs that explore the meaning of contemporary relationships; the attitudes, feelings and interpersonal behaviors that can facilitate or hinder the development of intimate relationships; and strategies for letting go of past relationships, leaving present relationships that cannot work, enhancing current relationships that have potential for success, and entering into new relationships that are personally satisfying. Workshops may focus on evaluating past relationships, developing the confidence to approach potential partners and initiate new relationships, learning to love and maintain commitments, developing sexual intimacy, problem solving and communication in relationships and other similar topics.
  • Stress Management (1)
    PH-6200.8400

    Stress Management

    PH-6200.8400

    Programs that utilize a variety of techniques including demonstration, exercise and discussion to help participants increase their understanding of the conditions and habits that lead to stress, to learn more about the effects of stress on the body, to identify the stressors in their own lives, and to develop better ways of reducing or managing stress in their personal relationships and work environment. The program may include instruction in and practice of physical exercises, relaxation techniques and other mechanisms for coping with stress.
  • Summer Camps (2)
    PL-6400.1500-820

    Summer Camps

    PL-6400.1500-820

    Residential or day camp facilities where care and recreational activities are provided for children during the summer vacation period.
  • Swimming Facilities (1)
    PL-6400.7000-840

    Swimming Facilities

    PL-6400.7000-840

    Programs that develop, maintain and make available to the public, swimming pools which may be equipped with diving boards of various heights, slides and other equipment.
  • Tax Collection Agencies (1)
    DT-8500

    Tax Collection Agencies

    DT-8500

    Programs that are responsible for the determination, assessment and collection of taxes, special assessments and other monies that are owed to local, state and federal jurisdictions by taxpayers. These groups prepare analyses of taxes, tax characteristics and tax proposals that serve as the basis for tax policy; ensure that taxpayers have the most current information regarding their tax obligations and their rights; review tax returns; pursue unpaid taxes; and respond to complaints from taxpayers.
  • Tax Forms (1)
    DT-8600

    Tax Forms

    DT-8600

    Libraries, post offices and other organizations that maintain supplies of blank tax forms for people who need them and/or maintain archives of past versions of tax forms for reference purposes. Included are organizations that provide copies of federal and state tax forms for individuals, businesses, corporations and other entities; property tax relief application forms; rent rebate and renter's tax credit application forms; property value reassessment application forms; utility tax exemption application forms and other similar documents. Also included are organizations that maintain Internet websites that have copies of tax forms that can be downloaded.
  • Thanksgiving Baskets (1)
    PH-2950.8500-850

    Thanksgiving Baskets

    PH-2950.8500-850

    Programs, generally supported by donations from the community, that attempt to facilitate enjoyment of Thanksgiving by low-income community residents through distribution of food baskets which usually contain a ham, turkey or other meat and all of the trimmings for a Thanksgiving dinner (or vouchers to purchase these items).
  • Volunteer Opportunities (3)
    PX

    Volunteer Opportunities

    PX

    Community organizations that are actively seeking individuals with the requisite knowledge, skills and experience who are willing to offer their services and work on a full or part-time basis without remuneration on projects or in positions that benefit the organization itself or the people it serves. Many agencies that provide volunteer opportunities also offer intensive training in the tasks that are required for the job.
  • Voter Registration Offices (2)
    TQ-1800.9000

    Voter Registration Offices

    TQ-1800.9000

    Government offices that provide copies of voter registration applications and maintain official records of individuals who have exercised their right to participate in the election process by registering to vote. Included are the local Registrar of Voters offices and other government offices through which people can obtain and file their registration forms; and offices that are responsible for managing online voter registration. In order to qualify, people must be citizens; age 18 or older; and residents of the state, county/municipal district or precinct for at least 30 days. People are required to re-register if they change their names, their addresses or their party affiliations.
  • Y Facilities (3)
    PS-9800.9650

    Y Facilities

    PS-9800.9650

    Programs that provide for the spiritual, social, mental and physical development of children and youth and their families through a broad-based program which includes classes, recreational activities, fitness programs, leadership development opportunities, camping, youth clubs, parent-child programs, youth employment support services, cross-cultural exchange programs, community involvement opportunities and a variety of other activities that give participants a chance to develop a wide range of interpersonal relationships, strengthen family ties and to achieve a satisfying degree of personal growth.
  • Youth Community Service Programs (1)
    PS-9800.9800

    Youth Community Service Programs

    PS-9800.9800

    Programs that provide opportunities for students and/or school-age children and youth to make a contribution to their local community through volunteer service projects or other forms of assistance. The purpose of the program is to develop leadership skills and good citizenship practices in youngsters who are interested in service to others.
  • Youth Enrichment Programs (1)
    PS-9800.9900

    Youth Enrichment Programs

    PS-9800.9900

    Programs that offer a wide variety of activities including arts and crafts, academic programs, sports, reading clubs, workshops and other recreational, leisure, cultural, social and civic activities for school-age children and youth in out-of-school hours. The objective of youth enrichment programs is to promote healthy social interaction and help participants maximize their social, emotional, physical and academic potential.