Creating a statewide system of community mental health homes

It is the intent of the legislature to establish a statewide system of residential treatment programs which provide a range of available services which will be alternatives to institutional care and are based on principles of residential, community-based treatment. It is further the intent of the legislature that community residential mental health programs in the State of Hawaii be developed in accordance with the guidelines and principles set forth in this part. To this end, the department may implement the community residential treatment system described in this part either with available allocations or applying for funds from the legislature. Any private, nonprofit, or public organization, or both, within the State is eligible to submit an application for operation under this part. It is further the intent of the legislature to provide guidelines for such a system to the applicants, while allowing each applicant the flexibility to design a system specific to the nature of the community and the needs of the clients. It is further the intent of the legislature that the director, in authorizing programs which serve as alternatives to institutionalization, follow the guidelines and principles developed herein.