§ 991. Family policy guidelines. All state and local government
programs should be guided by the following principles:

1. Families are best served by comprehensive programs which are
directed towards all aspects of individual and family development.

2. Families who are the consumers of services should be partners in
the planning, delivery and evaluation of those services.

3. Families needs can be met best by developing and nurturing their
inherent strengths.

4. Families deserve a realistic level of economic security.

5. Families receive the greatest benefit from flexible, accessible and
comprehensive services which are delivered in a manner which is
culturally and linguistically sensitive to their needs.

6. Families are best served when intervention occurs as early as
possible and is designed to give priority to prevention of family
disintegration. Primary emphasis should be given to establishing safe,
nurturing environments which support the healthy growth of all family
members.

7. Families who have members placed in care settings outside the
nuclear family must be provided with services to help them reunite. If
return is not possible, plans for alternative permanent care must be
made by agencies caring for the child.

8. Families deserve services which are coordinated and where special
attention is paid to ongoing accessibility to multiple services.

9. Families receive the greatest benefit from effective services
delivered by a qualified, trained workforce. This workforce, especially
direct caregivers, must receive professional recognition, support and
appropriate compensation.

10. Families need public and voluntary human services systems which
work together and are accountable to society, each other and the people
they serve.