[§321-357]  Early intervention funds;purpose and use.  (a)  The purpose of the early intervention special fundand early intervention trust fund is to expand and enhance early interventionservices for infants and toddlers with special needs by providing a cooperativefunding mechanism between the public and private sectors to work together tomake and secure appropriations and donations to the funds.

(b)  The department may procure services underchapters 103D and 103F in accordance with criteria and procedures establishedby rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91, for community-based, family-centered,early intervention services including but not limited to:

(1)  Programs to provide early intervention servicesfor infants and toddlers with developmental delays or at biological orenvironmental risk;

(2)  Family support programs to strengthen families toreduce the risk of child abuse and neglect;

(3)  Training and education for professionals,paraprofessionals, and families; and

(4)  Research, evaluation, and data management relatedto early intervention services.

(c)  Services to be procured under this sectionshall be in accordance with chapters 103D and 103F and take the followingforms:

(1)  Purchase of service contracts to privatenonprofit organizations, public agencies, or qualified individuals to providecommunity-based, family-centered, early intervention services; or

(2)  Direct payments for services, educationalmaterials, training, quality assurance, equipment, data collection, and programevaluation.

(d)  The Hawaii early intervention coordinatingcouncil shall make recommendations to the department for the expenditure ofmoneys from the funds. [L 1997, c 378, pt of §2; am L 1998, c 43, pt of §1(1)]