Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92
Section 3302 - Purpose and policy(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this act is to promote and strengthen the implementation of a Statewide program of family support services for families of persons with disabilities that are family centered and family directed, that promote leadership by families in planning, development, implementation and evaluation of family support services and that promote interagency coordination and collaboration between agencies providing the services.(b) Policy.--It is the policy of the Commonwealth that the family support services created by this act shall be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the following principles:(1) Family support must focus on the needs of the entire family.(2) Families should be supported in determining their own needs and in making their own decisions concerning services.(3) Families should have the opportunity not only to choose and direct the services provided to them but also to direct the development and operation of the service system.(4) Family support must offer options that are flexible and responsive to the unique and changing needs and to the strengths and cultural values of individual families.(5) Families must be supported in their efforts to promote the integration and inclusion of their family member with a disability in all aspects of community life.(6) The family support service program must be easily accessible to families and maintain accountability without creating unnecessary administrative burdens.(7) The family support service program should enhance, but not duplicate, other service programs and utilize existing community resources, both those which are specialized and those which are used by the general community.(8) Eligibility for family support services should not be limited to certain disabilities but should be open to all disabilities. This program must bridge the gaps in service eligibility that are created by requirements for specific disabilities.(9) The family support system should be proactive and not used solely to respond to crisis.2004, Nov. 30, P.L. 1561, No. 198, § 2, imd. effective.