PROVISION OF SERVICES

(a) Subject to the availability of funds, the department shall provide direct protective services or contract with protective services agencies for the provision of those services.

(b) The department shall use existing resources and services of public and private agencies in providing protective services. If the department does not have existing resources to provide direct protective services to elderly persons or persons with disabilities, the department, subject to the availability of funds, shall contract with protective services agencies for the provision of those services, especially to persons residing in rural or remote areas of this state or not previously served by the department.

(c) The department and law enforcement officials, courts, and agencies shall cooperate when providing protective services.