Guiding Principles

The safety of children is our foremost concern.
Children are placed in the least restrictive, most home-like setting possible.
Children receive appropriate and timely physical and mental health services based on comprehensive assessments.
Children in care are supported in maintaining their cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and family relationships.
Children have the right to adoption permanency in the shortest amount of time through an appropriate family matching process.
Each child has a single case manager responsible for coordinating all aspects of care.
Siblings are placed together whenever possible.

Programs and services must focus on strengths and capacities.
Families are actively involved in case planning throughout the episode of care.
Services and placement settings are matched to the identified needs of the consumer.
Individualized, wraparound services for children and families will divert unnecessary out-of-home placements, shorten time in such placements, and support families after reunification to prevent re-entry into the system.
Services are provided by a team of individuals who are equipped to manage and deliver needed services and supports which meet the needs of at-risk children and their families.

The educational needs of children are incorporated into service plans to maintain school stability and encourage educational success.
Strong partnerships and collaborations with formal and informal support systems are essential if service outcomes are to be maximized.
An adequate number of qualified foster families are recruited and retained.
Services are provided by competent staff who are adequately trained and supervised and who have appropriate caseloads.