New York Consolidated Laws, Mental Hygiene Law - MHY § 41.01 Declaration of purpose

This article is designed to enable and encourage local governments to develop in the community preventive, rehabilitative, and treatment services offering continuity of care;  to improve and to expand existing community programs for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and those suffering from the diseases of alcoholism and substance abuse;  to plan for the integration of community and state services and facilities for individuals with mental disabilities;  and to cooperate with other local governments and with the state in the provision of joint services and sharing of manpower resources.

Effective implementation of this article requires the direction and administration, by each local governmental unit, of a local comprehensive planning process for its geographic area in which all providers of services shall participate and cooperate in the provision of all necessary information.  It also initiates a planning effort involving the state, local governments and other providers of service for the purpose of promoting continuity of care through the development of integrated systems of care and treatment for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and for those suffering from the diseases of alcoholism and substance abuse.