It is the intent of the legislature that parents are responsible for the care and support of children with developmental disabilities. The legislature recognizes that, because of the intense support required to care for a child with developmental disabilities, the help of out-of-home services may be needed. It is the intent of the legislature that, when the sole reason for out-of-home services is the child's developmental disability, such services be offered by the department to these children through a voluntary person-centered service planning process and in accordance with rules adopted by the department.

Effective date—2004 c 183: See note following RCW 13.34.160.