(1) The State Department of Human Services in conjunction with the State Department of Education shall engage in a comprehensive planning process for the Home Ties Program to develop, coordinate and implement a meaningful and responsive program of family support and family preservation services. The scope of planning shall address child welfare, housing, mental health, primary health, education, juvenile justice, community-based programs providing family support and family preservation services and other social programs that service children at imminent risk of placement and their families. In developing the plan, the department, in its discretion, may invite active participation from local consumers, practitioners, researchers, foundations, mayors, members of the Legislature and any available federal regional staff.

(2) The Home Ties Program shall be developed as a pilot program for a period of five (5) years in accordance with federal guidelines promulgated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The State Department of Human Services shall oversee development of requests for proposals, contracting for services and program evaluation.

(3) In addition to the family preservation and family support services defined in Section 43-51-3, the Home Ties Program shall offer a wide range of services, included, but not limited to, the following: crisis resolution; teaching measures to prevent the repeated occurrence of abuse, neglect and/or family conflict; education in parenting skills, child development, communication, negotiations and home maintenance skills; child and family advocacy; and job-readiness training.