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            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.

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

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1993, NO. 752, §2.}}