Illinois Code § 1

§ 1.

Purpose. It is declared to be the policy and intent of the Illinois General Assembly that the Department of Human Services assume leadership in facilitating the establishment of comprehensive and coordinated arrays of private and public services for persons with mental illness, persons with a developmental disability, and alcohol and drug dependent citizens residing in communities throughout the state. The Department shall work in partnership with local government entities, direct service providers, voluntary associations and communities to create a system that is sensitive to the needs of local communities and which complements existing family and other natural supports, social institutions and programs. The goals of the service system shall include but not be limited to the following: to strengthen the independence, self-esteem, and ability of the individual with a disability to participate in and contribute to community life; to insure continuity of care for clients; to enable persons with disabilities to access needed services, commensurate with their individual wishes and needs, regardless of where they reside in the state; to prevent unnecessary institutionalization and the dislocation of individuals from their home communities; to provide a range of services so that persons can receive these services in settings which do not unnecessarily restrict their liberty; and to encourage clients to move among settings as their needs change. The system shall include provision of services in the areas of prevention, client assessment and diagnosis, case coordination, crisis and emergency care, treatment and habilitation and support services, and community residential alternatives to institutional settings. The General Assembly recognizes that community programs are an integral part of the larger service system, which includes state-operated facilities for persons who cannot receive appropriate services in the community. Towards achievement of these ends, the Department of Human Services, working in coordination with other State agencies, shall assume responsibilities pursuant to this Act, which includes activities in the areas of planning, quality assurance, program evaluation, community education, and the provision of financial and technical assistance to local provider agencies. (Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)