It is the policy of the State of Vermont to assure that citizens with developmental disabilities receive such protection and assistance as is necessary to allow them to live safely within the communities of this State. In furtherance of this policy, this chapter is enacted to permit the supervision of those individuals who are unable to provide for their own needs on account of developmental disabilities and to protect such persons from violations of their human and civil rights. It is the purpose of this chapter to limit the State's guardianship of people with developmental disabilities who are living in the community to the extent necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. (Added 1977, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2001, No. 43, § 1.)