Probation officers and postrelease shelters have been stymied in obtaining assistance for their financially needy clients through this law because of its poorly defined stipulations, which were not being uniformly interpreted by the various States. Recently issued implementation guidelines rectify this shortcoming. Probation officers and social agency staff must familiarize themselves with the guidelines to reap maximum benefits from this welfare provision. The guidelines define the target group; eligibility criteria; purpose, type, and extent of obtainable assistance; types of agencies eligible for support; and application procedures.