[§352D-1]  Finding and purpose.  Thelegislature finds that:

(1)  The State of Hawaii has the responsibility toprovide its youth a fair and full opportunity to reach their full potential andbecome law-abiding citizens of our community by providing and encouragingservices, which will strengthen their physical, emotional, social, educational,and moral development;

(2)  There is a need for a strong state commitment tothe needs of youth and families.  Of particular concern are those youth whocome into conflict with the laws of our community.  To achieve this commitment,there is need for statewide planning and system coordination; oversight ofactivities and services; and evaluation and monitoring of the effectiveness ofthese services.  In addition, a single entity is needed to serve as a centralintake agency, and to coordinate the delivery of services, and provide acontinuum of programs to eliminate gaps and provide a clear sense ofresponsibility and accountability for youth services.  This agency must havesufficient statutory authority to ensure that its directives and mandates arecomplied with by the various affected agencies.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish theoffice of youth services for the planning, case management, and delivery ofservices to youth at risk. [L 1989, c 375, pt of §1]