Findings, declarations

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The obligation of the State to preserve the sanctity of the family and prevent the placement of children outside the home should be fulfilled in the context of a clear and consistent policy which emphasizes the strengthening of families through the application of intensive family preservation services; b. In recent years, several states have found that family preservation services can provide an effective, efficient and humane alternative to out-of-home placement; c. Family preservation services are based on the following principles: (1) Safety of the child is always the first concern, (2) Children should be raised by their own families whenever possible, (3) An intervention should build on family strengths and be responsive to family needs, and (4) Improvement of family functioning is essential in order to promote the child's health, safety and welfare, allowing the family to remain intact and the children to remain at home; and d. It is the intent of this act that a comprehensive family preservation services program be provided in every county of the State.