2014 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 28 - Mental Health
RS 28:171.1 - Principles for the mental health system

§171.1. Principles for the mental health system

The department and any entity which receives funding through a state contract to provide services to persons who are mentally ill shall provide, to the maximum extent possible, mental health treatment, services, and supports which are consistent with the following principles:

(1) Treatment, services, and supports assist in enabling people to exercise self-determination in their lives.

(2) Treatment, services, and supports assist in enabling people to achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and inclusion in their communities.

(3) Personal outcomes and goals are considered in the development of individualized supports for each person.

(4) The community where the person chooses to live and work is an appropriate place to provide treatment, supports, and services.

(5) Persons with mental illness are generally best able to determine their own needs, rather than their needs being determined by others.

(6) For children with mental illness, the needs of the entire family should be considered in the development of family supports.

(7) Family supports may enable children to live in stable family environments with enduring relationships with one or more adults regardless of the severity of the mental illness of the child or the degree of support necessary.

(8) Children and young adults with mental illness receive and participate in an appropriate education which enables them to have increased opportunities for well being, development, and inclusion in their communities.

(9) Existing natural supports and community resources are promoted and utilized.

Acts 2012, No. 418, §1.