Family-centered care is a philosophy of care in which the pivotal role
of the family in the lives of children and youth is recognized and respected.
Family-centered care supports families in their care-giving roles by
building on the unique strengths of individual family members, recognizing
and respecting the knowledge, skills and experience that families and
professionals bring to the relationship, and recognizing that no single
approach is right for all families.
We believe:
In the potential of each child and affirm these beliefs to the
child’s family and community at large.
That each client is an individual with a personal, cultural, and
family background, with unique strengths, talents, preferences, as
well as needs.
Children and youth are uniquely dependent on their families for
nurturing their growth and development. This dependence necessitates
a family centered approach to intervention and childhood services.
Support and intervention strategies must reflect a respect for racial,
ethnic, and cultural diversity of families.
In the importance of respecting that each family has its own structure,
roles, values, beliefs, and coping styles and that each family is
doing the best they can, and being the best they can be, at any given
time.
That collaboration with informal and formal client support systems
is essential.
Principles of Service Delivery
The image of the delivery system must take into account the fundamental
right of children, youth and families to be respected.
Children, youth and families have the right to quality programs
of intervention that facilitate their physical, social, emotional,
and intellectual development.
The management of service delivery is best provided through a collaborative,
multi-disciplinary team effort that includes the client and support
networks (both informal and formal) working in an atmosphere of equality
and mutual respect.
One of the roles of the professional is to assist families to make
informed decisions.
Families should be provided with information in ways that allow
them to make informed decisions that best meet their needs.
Professionals recognize and respect the knowledge, skills and experience
that families bring to the team.
Relationships between professionals and parents should reflect partnership.
More specifically relationships should be characterized by honest,
respect, trust, reciprocity and open communication.
Program efforts should be built on family strengths and resources
rather than correct deficits or weaknesses.
Resources and supports should be available in ways that are flexible,
individualized and responsive to the changing needs of families.
Ethical Dilemmas- Revised August 2007 |
