The Florida Senate

411.231  Legislative intent; purpose.--The Legislature recognizes the need for and value of intensive, comprehensive, integrated, and continuous services statewide for young children who are at risk of developmental dysfunction or delay. For the purposes of the Children's Early Investment Program, the term "young children" includes infants, 1-year-olds, and 2-year-olds. The Legislature supports intensive and comprehensive supportive programs and services being directed to expectant mothers and young children who, because of economic, social, environmental, or health factors need such services to enhance their development. The Legislature recognizes that children are part of families and that lasting effects on children can occur most productively when there is investment in and with families. The participants in the Children's Early Investment Program shall receive priority consideration for needed services, including prenatal care; health services to mothers and their young children; child care; alcohol and drug abuse treatment services; and economic support and training services. It is the intent of the Legislature that programs and services that will enhance a child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development and provide support to parents and other family members be provided initially to geographic areas where the expectant mothers and young children are at great risk and that these programs and services ultimately be available statewide to all children and families who need them. These programs and services must be offered and coordinated by persons who have adequate time, skill, and resources to work with participants in a meaningful and effective manner.

History.--s. 3, ch. 89-379.