1.  The purposes of the Division are to:

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(a) Provide a comprehensive state system for the coordination and provision of services to children and families who need assistance relating to juvenile justice and the care, welfare and mental health of children.

(b) Aid in the preservation, rehabilitation and reunification of families.

(c) Ensure that children are placed in the least restrictive environment available which is appropriate to their needs.

(d) Coordinate and provide services for youth who are in need of residential care or in need of treatment, or both.

2.  In accomplishing its purposes, the Division shall:

(a) Establish and coordinate a system for:

(1) The diagnosis and assessment of the needs of particular children and families, including those in need of multiple services;

(2) The referral of children and families to appropriate services; and

(3) The management and monitoring of cases in which children and families are referred to multiple services.

(b) Plan and coordinate the provision of services for the support of families to:

(1) Maintain the integrity of families;

(2) Ensure that children are not unnecessarily removed from their homes; and

(3) Ensure that families are reunited as soon as practicable after the removal of children from their homes.

(c) Ensure that a sufficient range of services is available to provide care and treatment to children and families in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

(d) Work closely with other governmental agencies and with public and private agencies providing the same or similar services.

3.  The Division shall develop standards for carrying out programs aimed toward the prevention of delinquent acts of children and programs for the treatment of those brought to its attention. It shall assist in the development of programs for the predelinquent children whose behavior tends to lead them into contact with law enforcement agencies.

4.  The Division shall develop and assist in carrying out programs for the diversion of juveniles out of the judicial system and programs for the aftercare of juveniles who have been released from state institutions, who have been brought before the juvenile court or family court or who have otherwise come into contact with law enforcement agencies. The Administrator shall observe and evaluate the success of those programs.