§ 28:823 — Principles

Louisiana § 28:823

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 28: Mental Health

Text

§823. Principles
The following ideals shall be the guiding principles for the development of a
Community and Family Support System plan:
(1) The family of each child with developmental disabilities shall be provided the
support necessary so that the child may live in a stable family environment in an enduring
relationship with one or more adults regardless of the severity of the disability of the child
or the degree of support necessary.
(2) Adults with developmental disabilities should receive the supports necessary to
enable them to achieve their maximum potential through increased independence,
productivity, and integration into the community.
(3) The family support system shall be flexible, individualized, and family centered.
(4) The needs of the entire family shall be considered in the development of the
individualized family supports.
(5) The family support system recognizes that families are best able to determine
their own needs, rather than having their needs determined by the state or an agency.
(6) Adults with developmental disabilities should have supports and services
provided in the community to meet their needs wherever the individual chooses to live and
work.
(7) The system shall have a program of outreach so that families may obtain family
support at the time they learn of their child's disability, and so that people are aware of the
availability of community supports when the need arises.
(8) The system shall support and strengthen existing informal social networks and
natural supports in addition to professional support services.
(9) The system shall promote the use of existing community resources.
(10) Out-of-home placement of children shall be used only after parents are given
the option of choosing family support services.
(11) The system shall be flexible to ensure that unanticipated needs are met and that
the provision of supports and services is not limited to the location and types of existing
services.
(12) A cash subsidy should be made available to eligible families for any of the
purposes contained within the plan in order to enhance the family support system. The
subsidy shall be considered a benefit and is intended to complement but not supplant public
assistance or social service benefits based upon economic need.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1993, NO. 752, §2.}}

Legislative History

Acts 1989, No. 378, §1; Acts 1993, No. 752, §1, eff. June 22, 1993; Acts 2018, No. 206, §1.