§4–401.

    The General Assembly declares:

        (1)    that it is the policy of this State to promote family stability, to preserve family unity, and to help families achieve and maintain self-reliance by:

            (i)    responding to financial and family crisis through direct provision of family counseling and supportive services; and

            (ii)    referral to appropriate community resources; and

        (2)    this State has the responsibility to provide services that prevent the kind of family dissolution and breakdown that requires protective services or out-of-home placement.