Values and Guiding Principles

Children need to be raised in their own families whenever safe and possible
Better outcomes are achieved when parents are actively involved in decision making about their child's needs and future
Children in out-of-home care should achieve developmentally appropriate benchmarks in their physical, psychological, interpersonal, and educational growth
Services that actively engage families and build on family strengths achieve more successful outcomes
Stable, consistent care for children is essential to healthy development and successful reunification or other permanent living arrangements
Culturally responsive and respectful services and reviews that engage families and providers achieve positive results for children in foster care
Children are more likely to achieve healthy adulthood if raised in the least restrictive, most family-like environment that is appropriate to their needs