§ 49-5-2 — Purpose of article

The purpose of this article is to promote, safeguard, and protect the well-being and general welfare of children and youth of this state through a comprehensive and coordinated program of public child welfare and youth services, providing for: (1) Social services and facilities for children and youths who require care, control, protection, treatment, or rehabilitation and for the parents of such children; (2) Setting of standards for social services and facilities for children and youths; (3) Cooperation with public and voluntary agencies, organizations, and citizen groups in the development and coordination of programs and activities in behalf of children and youth; and (4) Promotion of community conditions and resources that help parents to discharge their responsibilities for the care, development, and well-being of their children. It is the further purpose of this article to provide for a qualified group of citizens and leading professionals who will identify and study the problems of youth, recommend and effect possible solutions, and work actively for state and local action to prevent children and youths from becoming inmates of our prisons, patients in our mental hospitals, and persons dependent upon public assistance programs.