(a) When a minor child requires a living arrangement outside of the family home, as determined in the individual program plan developed pursuant to Section 4646 and Section 4648, the regional center shall make every effort to secure a living arrangement, consistent with the individual program plan, in reasonably close proximity to the family home.

(b) When the parents or guardian of a minor child requests that an out-of-home living arrangement for a minor child be in close proximity to the family home, and when such a living arrangement cannot be secured by the regional center, the regional center shall include with the individual program plan a written statement of its efforts to locate, develop, or adapt appropriate services and supports in a living arrangement within close proximity to the family home and what steps will be taken by the regional center to develop the services and supports necessary to return the child to the family home or within close proximity of the family home. This statement shall be updated every six months, or as agreed to by the parents or guardians, and a copy shall be forwarded to the parents or guardians of the minor and to the director of the department.

(c) This section shall not be construed to impede the movement of consumers to other geographic areas or the preference of the parent or guardian for the placement of their minor child.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1043, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 1999.)