§6202. Policy

1.  Services.  It is the policy of the State to provide an efficient, coordinated statewide system of services to children in need of treatment and their families, including a comprehensive system of family support services, insofar as resources permit.

[PL 1987, c. 349, §23 (AMD).]

2.  Spiritual treatment.  Nothing in this subchapter may replace or limit the right of any child to treatment in accordance with a recognized religious method of healing, if the treatment is requested by the person or by his parent or guardian.

[PL 1985, c. 503, §12 (NEW).]

3.  Setting.  It is the policy of the State that the setting for the services described in this subchapter shall, consistent with the availability of appropriate resources:

A. Impose the fewest possible restrictions on the liberty of children in need of treatment; and   [PL 1985, c. 503, §12 (NEW).]

B. Be as close as possible to the patterns and norms of the mainstream of society, recognizing regional, cultural and ethnic characteristics.   [PL 1985, c. 503, §12 (NEW).]

[PL 1985, c. 503, §12 (NEW).]

4.  Other agencies.  Nothing in this subchapter may be construed to constrain or impair the Department of Corrections, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services or any other state agency in carrying out statutorily mandated responsibilities to children and their families or to alter or diminish any services, benefits or entitlements received by virtue of the statutory responsibilities.

[PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §165 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1985, c. 503, §12 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 349, §H23 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 700, §A165 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV).