CHAPTER 13. COMMUNITY AND FAMILY SUPPORT SYSTEM

§821. Findings and purpose

            A. The Legislature of Louisiana finds that services for persons with developmental disabilities should be responsive to the needs of the individual and his family, rather than fitting the person into existing programs. The legislature further finds that it is more cost effective to provide services to adults and children with developmental disabilities living in their own homes or with their families rather than in out-of-home placements.

            B. The legislature declares that the purpose of this Chapter is to establish that:

            (1) Children, regardless of the severity of their disability, need families and enduring relationships with adults in a nurturing home environment. As with all children, children with developmental disabilities need families and family relationships to develop to their fullest potential. Parents of children with developmental disabilities shall be afforded freedom of choice as to placement of their child, in accordance with R.S. 28:380 et seq.

            (2) Adults with developmental disabilities should be afforded the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and to live in typical homes and communities where they can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens.

            C. It is the intention of the legislature that the state of Louisiana adhere to the principles contained in this Chapter in program planning, development, funding, and implementation for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. It is the further intention of the legislature that the Louisiana Department of Health work to implement the Community and Family Support System plan developed by the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council pursuant to this Chapter.

            D. It is the intention of the legislature that the state adhere to the principles contained in this Chapter for program planning and development of programs for all persons and their families needing long-term support.

            Acts 1989, No. 378, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1147, §1; Acts 2009, No. 438, §7; Acts 2010, No. 939, §3, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2012, No. 811, §8, eff. July 1, 2012.