Finds that: (1) A developmental disability is a natural part of human life, and the presence of a developmental disability in the life of a person does not diminish the person's rights or opportunity to participate fully in the life of the local community;

(2) Investing in family members who have children and adults living in the family home preserves a valuable natural support system for the individual with a developmental disability and is also cost-effective for the state of Washington;

(3) Providing support services to families can help maintain the well-being of the family and stabilize the family unit.

Declares an intent: (1) To partner with families as care providers for children with developmental disabilities and adults who choose to live in the family home;

(2) That individual and family services be centered on the needs of the person with a developmental disability and the family;

(3) That, to the maximum extent possible, individuals and families must be given choice of services and exercise control over the resources available to them.