2.2-5200 - Intent and purpose; definitions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 2.2-5200. Intent and purpose; definitions.

A. It is the intention of this law to create a collaborative system ofservices and funding that is child-centered, family-focused andcommunity-based when addressing the strengths and needs of troubled andat-risk youths and their families in the Commonwealth.

This law shall be interpreted and construed so as to effectuate the followingpurposes:

1. Ensure that services and funding are consistent with the Commonwealth'spolicies of preserving families and providing appropriate services in theleast restrictive environment, while protecting the welfare of children andmaintaining the safety of the public;

2. Identify and intervene early with young children and their families whoare at risk of developing emotional or behavioral problems, or both, due toenvironmental, physical or psychological stress;

3. Design and provide services that are responsive to the unique and diversestrengths and needs of troubled youths and families;

4. Increase interagency collaboration and family involvement in servicedelivery and management;

5. Encourage a public and private partnership in the delivery of services totroubled and at-risk youths and their families; and

6. Provide communities flexibility in the use of funds and to authorizecommunities to make decisions and be accountable for providing services inconcert with these purposes.

B. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"CSA" means the Comprehensive Services Act.

"Council" means the State Executive Council for Comprehensive Services forAt-Risk Youth and Families created pursuant to § 2.2-2648.

(1992, cc. 837, 880, § 2.1-745; 2001, c. 844.)