---
title: O.C.G.A. § 49-5-222. Guiding principles for coordinated system of care.
collection: code
id: 49-5-222
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 49-5-222 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/49-5-222
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/49-5-222.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/49-5-222/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t49-t50-ch1-12-(v38)-2023-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=60c992b5_0#page=356
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: SOCIAL SERVICES / PROGRAMS AND PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH / CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH SEVERE EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS
---

# O.C.G.A. § 49-5-222. Guiding principles for coordinated system of care.

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

(1) 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;

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

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

(4) Agency resources and services shall be shared and coordinated with written interagency agreements detailing linkages;

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

(6) 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;

(7) Services shall promote early identification and intervention;

(8) Services shall be culturally and ethnically sensitive;

(9) All legal rights of these children shall be protected; and

(10) 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.

## History

Code 1981, § 49-5-222, enacted by Ga. L. 1990, p. 1798, § 1.