2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 28:312 — Plan for the development of a system of care

§312.  Plan for the development of a system of care

A.  On or before June 30, 2005, the Louisiana Youth Enhanced Services consortium shall prepare and submit a recommended plan to the assistant secretary of the office of mental health, Department of Health and Hospitals, for the provision of mental health services to emotionally disturbed children within the jurisdiction of the consortium. Annually thereafter, the consortium shall continue to report recommendations regarding the provision of mental health services to emotionally disturbed children.

B.  In preparing the recommended plan, the Louisiana Youth Enhanced Services consortium shall be guided by the following principles:

(1)  Each child should have access to a comprehensive array of services that address their physical, emotional, social, and educational needs.

(2)  Each child should receive individualized services in accordance with the unique needs and potentials of each child and guided by an individualized service plan.

(3)  Each child should receive services within the least restrictive, most normative environment that is clinically appropriate.

(4)  Each child should receive services that are integrated, with linkages between child-serving agencies and mechanisms for planning, developing, and coordinating services.

(5)  Each child should be provided with case management of similar mechanism to ensure that multiple services are delivered in a coordinated or therapeutic manner and that they can move through the system of services in accordance with their changing needs.

(6)  Each child should be assured of smooth transitions to adult systems.

(7)  Each child should receive services without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, physical disability, or other characteristics, and services should be sensitive and responsive to cultural differences and special needs.

C. These principles should emphasize the following standards:

(1)  Full participation in all aspects of the planning and delivery of services by families and surrogate families of children with emotional disturbance.

(2)  Early identification and intervention for children with emotional disturbance.

(3)  The rights for children with emotional disturbance should be protected by the system of care through effective advocacy efforts.

D.  The recommended plan shall be submitted to the assistant secretary of the office of mental health of the Department of Health and Hospitals and may be submitted to other appropriate public or private entities.

Acts 2004, No. 28, §1.