ABSTRACT
The Community Services Administration (CSA), abolished by the reconciliation act, ran some of the programs that originated as part of the "war on poverty" during the 1960s. It provided financial assistance to local organizations that coordinated and delivered a wide variety of social services to low-income individuals. The block grant provides funds to states for community-based programs that offer health, nutrition, housing, and employment services to improve the standard of living of low-income persons. States could have taken over administration of the block grant beginning October 1, 1981; they must have taken over administration by October 1, 1982 in order to receive funds beyond fiscal year 1982. The regulations that apply to the health block grants also apply to the community services block grant. States have been reluctant to assume responsibility for the community services block grant because they have had no relationship with community action agencies; the Community Services Administration had provided aid directly to the community action agencies.
