All children, regardless of disability, belong with families and need enduring relationships with adults. The presence of a disability, no matter how severe, should not deny a child's basic right to a nurturing home and family life. Children with developmental disabilities should live with their natural families whenever possible, and necessary supports should be provided to enable families to care for their children at home. When children cannot remain with their natural families, for any number of reasons, they deserve the opportunity to live with other families, or in other family-like settings. In these instances, permanency planning, such as reunifying the family, pursuing adoption or foster care, etc., should be used as a guiding philosophy.
Family support is needed throughout the life span of the individual who is developmentally disabled.
Family needs change over the course of the family life cycle, thus requiring that an array of services and options for services be available to families of persons with developmental disabilities. Support is particularly crucial during periods of lifecycle transition, such as when the family member with developmental disabilities is exiting the school system or is preparing to live more independently, outside the family home. Assistance with future planning should be included as an essential component of family support. Strategies for supporting families of persons with developmental disabilities should be designed with sensitivity to the unique strengths and needs of families. Family support should be based on the assumption that, unless determined unfit, families are the experts who are best able to determine what services and supports they need.