Guiding Principles

We recognize the importance of family preservation and/or reunification.

• It is in a child’s best interest to remain with their family of origin whenever safely possible.
  
• Our program acknowledges that children experience trauma when separated from their family of origin.
  
• If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interest to be reunified with their family of origin as soon as safely possible.
  
• If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interest to be placed with a relative as the next best option whenever safely possible.
  
• Strengthening families, through recommendations for services, supports, visitation, and communications, is in the child’s best interest to achieve stability and/or reunification.
  
• Our program requires and demonstrates respect for the parents and all parties associated with the case.
  
• Our program ensures that information regarding the family’s strengths is incorporated into reports to the court.
  
• Our program ensures that information regarding the child’s wishes is incorporated into reports to the court.
  
• Only when a court determines a child cannot be safely reunified with their family of origin in a reasonable timeframe, is another permanent placement in a child’s best interest.
  

We recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• All children, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or physical challenge, should be safe, have a permanent home, and an opportunity to thrive.
  
• Our program acknowledges the existence of implicit bias and takes steps to minimize and/or eliminate implicit bias.
  
• Our program is committed to demonstrating an understanding of disproportionality impacting children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
  
  We recognize the importance of collaboration.
     
• Our program cooperates and coordinates with other volunteer and public service agencies, the courts, community groups, families, and individuals to:
  
• Improve services for individual children and their families.
  
• Advocate for needed change in the conditions that adversely affect the children served.