§ 143B-150.5. Family Preservation Services Program established; purpose.

Part4A. Family Preservation Act.

§ 143B‑150.5.  Family Preservation ServicesProgram established; purpose.

(a)        There is established the Family Preservation ServicesProgram of the Department of Health and Human Services. To the extent thatfunds are made available, locally‑based family preservation servicesshall be available to all 100 counties. The Secretary of the Department ofHealth and Human Services shall be responsible for the development andimplementation of the Family Preservation Services Program as established inthis Part.

(b)        The purpose of the Family Preservation Services Program is,where feasible and in the best interests of the child and the family, to keepthe family unit intact by providing intensive family‑centered servicesthat help create, within the family, positive, long‑term changes in thehome environment.

(c)        Family preservation services shall be financed in partthrough grants to local agencies for the development and implementation oflocally‑based family preservation services. Grants to local agenciesshall be made in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 143B‑150.6.

(d)        The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Servicesshall ensure the cooperation of the Division of Social Services, the Divisionof Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, andthe Division of Medical Assistance, in carrying out the provisions of thisPart. (1991, c. 743, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 11A.118(a);2000‑137, s. 4(z); 2001‑424, s. 21.50(f).)