2. The Legislature finds and declares that it is the intent of the Legislature to preserve the sanctity of the family unit, to the extent that the preservation does not jeopardize the safety of children, which shall be of paramount concern, and to prevent the unnecessary out-of-home placement of emotionally disturbed children, whether in New Jersey or out-of-State.
The Legislature further finds and declares that it is in the best interest of children that an individualized, appropriate child and family driven care system be developed so that children with special emotional needs and their families receive safe and appropriate educational, nonresidential, residential and family supportive services.