R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-5.4-6: Declaration of policy.

It is the policy of this state to provide persons with serious mental illness adequate and humane care, that, to the extent possible, while meeting the purposes of rehabilitation and treatment, is:

(1) Within each person’s own community, recognizing that some services are appropriately provided in facilities that provide services to the entire state;

(2) Least restrictive of the person’s freedom of movement and ability to function normally in society while being appropriate to the person’s individual capacity and needs;

(3) Directed toward eliminating the need for services and promoting the person’s independence.