Children, Youth, Biological Family, Kin Family, Resource Family, Foster Family, Adoptive Family (both in the United States as well as in Foreign Countries)

As the recipients of the services of the public child welfare agency, these partners should participate in the assessment, planning and service delivery/treatment processes. These processes should be designed to optimize active participation and promote the expression of individual choices.

These partners should have a formal role in informing the policies, procedures and protocols of the agency. It is the responsibility of the agency to provide assistance to families so that they understand the processes established to develop policy and practice standards. They should be consulted whenever possible in the development of these items and should be included in any policy forums that are developed to inform the community and seek input. Agencies are encouraged to facilitate the creation of Parent Partner programs, Youth Councils and other forums for gaining input from these critical partners.

Families should also provide both support and direction to better define the quality markers and standards that relate to accomplishing the goal. They should be involved in quality assurance and program evaluation activities.


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