N.Y. MHY Law § 41.01

§ 41.01 Declaration of purpose.\n This article is designed to enable and encourage local governments to\ndevelop in the community preventive, rehabilitative, and treatment\nservices offering continuity of care; to improve and to expand existing\ncommunity programs for persons with mental illness, developmental\ndisabilities, and those suffering from the diseases of alcoholism and\nsubstance abuse; to plan for the integration of community and state\nservices and facilities for individuals with mental disabilities; and to\ncooperate with other local governments and with the state in the\nprovision of joint services and sharing of manpower resources.\n Effective implementation of this article requires the direction and\nadministration, by each local governmental unit, of a local\ncomprehensive planning process for its geographic area in which all\nproviders of services shall participate and cooperate in the provision\nof all necessary information. It also initiates a planning effort\ninvolving the state, local governments and other providers of service\nfor the purpose of promoting continuity of care through the development\nof integrated systems of care and treatment for individuals with mental\nillness, developmental disabilities, and for those suffering from the\ndiseases of alcoholism and substance abuse.\n