(a) FindingsCongress makes the following findings:
(5)
In 1996, 49 States provided family support initiatives in response to the needs of families of children with disabilities. Such initiatives included the provision of cash subsidies, respite care, and other forms of support. There is a need in each State, however, to strengthen, expand, and coordinate the activities of a system of family support services for families of children with disabilities that is easily accessible, avoids duplication, uses resources efficiently, and prevents gaps in services to families in all areas of the State.
(6) The goals of the Nation properly include the goal of providing to families of children with disabilities the family support services necessary—
(b) PurposesThe purposes of this subchapter are—
(1)
to promote and strengthen the implementation of comprehensive State systems of family support services, for families with children with disabilities, that are family-centered and family-directed, and that provide families with the greatest possible decisionmaking authority and control regarding the nature and use of services and support;
(2)
to promote leadership by families in planning, policy development, implementation, and evaluation of family support services for families of children with disabilities;
(3)
to promote and develop interagency coordination and collaboration between agencies responsible for providing the services; and
(4)
to increase the availability of, funding for, access to, and provision of family support services for families of children with disabilities.
(c) Policy
It is the policy of the United States that all programs, projects, and activities funded under this subchapter shall be family-centered and family-directed, and shall be provided in a manner consistent with the goal of providing families of children with disabilities with the support the families need to raise their children at home.