5698

WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE
SECTION 5698




5698.  It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage in each
county a system of care for seriously emotionally disturbed children
and youth. This system of care should be based upon the following
principles:
   (a) A defined range of interagency services, blended programs and
program standards that facilitate appropriate service delivery in the
least restrictive environment as close to home as possible. The
system should use available and accessible intensive home and
school-based alternatives.
   (b) A defined mechanism to ensure that services are child centered
and family focused with parental participation in all aspects of the
planning and delivery of service.
   (c) A formalized multiagency policy making council and an
interagency case management services council. The roles and
responsibilities of these councils should be specified in existing
interagency agreements or memoranda of understanding, or both.
   (d) A defined interagency case management system designed to
facilitate services to the defined target population.
   (e) A defined mechanism to ensure that services are culturally
competent.