(a) The policy of the state is that persons with severe or developmental disabilities and their families be afforded supports that emphasize community living and enable them to enjoy typical lifestyles.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 33-5-202

  • Family: means a unit that consists of either a person with a severe or developmental disability and the parent, relative, or other care giver who resides in the same household or a person with a severe or developmental disability who lives alone without such support. See Tennessee Code 33-5-201
  • Family support: means goods and services needed by families to care for their family members with a severe or developmental disability and to enjoy a quality of life comparable to other community members. See Tennessee Code 33-5-201
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Support: means any activity or resource that enables a service recipient to participate in a service for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance or in community life. See Tennessee Code 33-1-101
(b) Programs to support families shall be based on the following principles:

(1) Families and individuals with severe or developmental disabilities are best able to determine their own needs and should be empowered to make decisions concerning necessary, desirable, and appropriate services and supports;
(2) Families should receive the support necessary to care for their relatives at home;
(3) Family support is needed throughout the life span of the person who has a severe or developmental disability;
(4) Family support services should be sensitive to the unique needs, strengths, and values of the person and the family, and should be responsive to the needs of the entire family;
(5) Family support should build on existing social networks and natural sources of support in communities;
(6) Family support services should be provided in a manner that develops comprehensive, responsive, and flexible support to families as their needs evolve over time;
(7) Family support services should be provided equitably across the state and be coordinated across the numerous agencies likely to provide resources and services and support to families; and
(8) Family, individual, and community-based services and supports should be based on sharing ordinary places, developing meaningful relationships, learning things that are useful, and making choices, as well as increasing the status and enhancing the reputation of persons served.
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