In 1975, the General Assembly directed the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to continue its study of public welfare programs. This study had been in existence since 1972 and had resulted in the passage of far-ranging legislation concerning the administration of Virginia's public welfare programs. However, because of the complexity of the task, the Committee appointed by the Council had not been able to complete its consideration of several issues pertaining to welfare. Senate Joint Resolution No. 104 was passed continuing the study.

Senator Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr., of Fairfax, a member of the Council, continued as chairman of the Committee. Other members were Senator Howard P. Anderson of Halifax, Ethel Camp of Arlington, Frances Elrod of Virginia Beach, Ray C. Goodwin of Arlington, Edward W. Gregory, Jr., and the Reverend Carl L. Howard of Richmond, Delegate Thomas J. Michie, Jr. of Charlottesville, Delegate William P. Robinson, Sr. of Norfolk, Maude B. Shelor of Floyd, Delegate Norman Sisisky of Petersburg, Delegate Frank M. Slayton of South Boston, Senator William A. Truban of Woodstock, Senator Charles L. Waddell of Sterling, and Senator Lawrence Douglas Wilder of Richmond. Delegate Slayton continued to serve as vice-chairman.

In addition to the regular members, William L. Lukhard, Commissioner of Welfare, and William T. Coppage, Director of the Commission for the Visually Handicapped, served as ex officio members.

The Committee completed its work and submitted a report to the Council in January, 1976. Because this was in the middle of the General Assembly session, the Council did not have the time to consider the report and deferred action on it until just prior to the 1977 session.

The areas considered by the Committee and the recommendations of the Council constitute the rest of this report.