49-5-222. Guiding principles for coordinated system of care.

The following ideals shall be the guiding principles for the coordinated system of care:

Services shall be child and family centered and give priority to keeping children with their families. Families shall be fully involved in all aspects of planning and delivery of services; however, no family shall be required to accept services for any family member;#

Services shall be community based, with decision-making responsibility and management at the community level;#

Services shall be comprehensive, addressing the child’s physical, educational, social, and emotional needs;#

Agency resources and services shall be shared and coordinated with written interagency agreements detailing linkages;#

Services shall be provided in the least restrictive setting consistent with effective services and as close to the child’s home as appropriate;#

Services shall address the unique needs and potential of each child and shall be sufficiently flexible to meet the individual needs of the child and family;#

Services shall promote early identification and intervention;#

Services shall be culturally and ethnically sensitive;#

All legal rights of these children shall be protected; and#

The parent or guardian shall be involved in the development of the individualized plan and the delivery of services as defined by the individualized plan.#