1. It is declared to be the public policy of this State to encourage the development of preventive, treatment and transitional services for mental health clients through the improvement and expansion of community mental health programs in designated service areas for the entire State which will provide these elements of adequate services:

(a) In-patient services;

(b) Out-patient services;

(c) Partial hospitalization services such as day care, night care, weekend care;

(d) Emergency services 24 hours per day to be available within at least one of the first three services listed above;

(e) Consultation and education services available to community agencies and professional personnel;

(f) Children’s services;

(g) Services for the elderly;

(h) Screening services;

(i) Rehabilitative services including vocational and educational programs;

(j) Transitional services;

(k) Advocacy services;

(l) Training services; and

(m) Research and evaluation.

The aforementioned services are to be provided principally for persons residing in a particular community or communities which are designated as the community mental health center service area, in or near which the facilities providing the elements of service are situated.

It is further declared to be the public policy of this State to establish a Community Mental Health Citizens Advisory Board for mental health services to plan, establish and recommend to the Commissioner of Human Services and the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services those policies which are necessary to ensure the development and adequate delivery of the aforementioned elements of mental health services.

L.1957,c.146,s.1; amended 1967,c.100,s.1; 1979,c.331,s.1; 1995,c.4,s.6.