US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

§206.  Continuum of care for the emotionally and behaviorally disturbed; statement of policy; determination of need and site

A.  It is hereby declared to be the responsibility of the Department of Health and Hospitals to promote the establishment of a continuum of care to house emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children and adults.  This continuum of care may include but is not limited to group homes and supportive housing services, programs, and facilities.

B.  The secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals shall determine the need for such care facilities, services, and programs in all areas of the state, and when he determines that such care is needed in a particular community, he shall so advise the governing body of the community of such need.  The secretary will designate sites for such care facilities, services, and programs as funds are appropriated by the legislature.

C.  Any site designated under this section shall comply with any applicable local and state building or zoning ordinances and laws.

D.  Any site selected by the secretary must be approved by the local governing authority.

Added by Acts 1978, No. 677, §1; Acts 1997, No. 166, §1.