We work in public and private hospitals, public health programs, in state capitals, in Washington, DC, serving on boards and task forces, working in partnership with health professionals and policymakers, bringing the family perspective to policy discussions and decisions. There are almost 7,000 Family Voices members - families of children with special health needs and friends and professionals who know and love our children. The Principles of Family Voices Guide Our Activities. Families with children who have special needs and professionals who work with them have an expert understanding of what works and what doesn't work within current health care systems. Health systems built upon a set of tested principles and practices that flow from this expertise can improve the health status of all children and families.
Families are the core of any health system.
All Families, including those who have children with special health needs are the primary caregivers and educators for their children. They should be respected and valued for their expertise and commitment to their children. Whether public or private, a health care system must provide effective, flexible services that are guided by medical and family needs, rather than by the policies of standard medical insurance practices or government bureaucracies. Comprehensive, coordinated, community-based care. Outcomes improve when families and professionals make decisions jointly, respecting the expertise, talents and resources that each brings to the care of the child with special health needs.