LEGISLATIVE INTENT

(a) It is the intent of the legislature that the department contract with community-based nonprofit and local governmental entities that have the ability to provide child welfare services. The services provided by the entities must include direct case management to ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being, in accordance with state and federal child welfare goals. (b) It is the intent of the legislature that the provision of community-based care for children be implemented with measurable goals relating to: (1) the safety of children in placements; (2) the placement of children in each child's home community; (3) the provision of services to children in the least restrictive environment possible and, if possible, in a family home environment; (4) minimal placement changes for children; (5) the maintenance of contact between children and their families and other important persons; (6) the placement of children with siblings; (7) the provision of services that respect each child's culture; (8) the preparation of children and youth in foster care for adulthood; (9) the provision of opportunities, experiences, and activities for children and youth in foster care that are available to children and youth who are not in foster care; (10) the participation by children and youth in making decisions relating to their own lives; (11) the reunification of children with the biological parents of the children when possible; and (12) the promotion of the placement of children with relative or kinship caregivers if reunification is not possible.