5600.9. (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 611, Sec. 42.)

(a) Services to the target populations described in Section 5600.3 should be planned and delivered to the extent practicable so that persons in all ethnic groups are served with programs that meet their cultural needs.

(b) Services in rural areas should be developed in flexible ways, and may be designed to meet the needs of the indigent and uninsured who are in need of public mental health services because other private services are not available.

(c) To the extent permitted by law, counties should maximize all available funds for the provision of services to the target populations. Counties are expressly encouraged to develop interagency programs and to blend services and funds for individuals with multiple problems, such as those with mental illness and substance abuse, and children, who are served by multiple agencies. State departments are directed to assist counties in the development of mechanisms to blend funds and to seek any necessary waivers which may be appropriate.