Through this planning process, communities develop a strategic framework to address the needs and construct an outcome-based accountability system which integrates the governance, management and financing systems needed to achieve positive community outcomes for children and their families. The goal of FSSR is to strengthen families. The context is the community in which families live. The strategy is to build enduring community-wide, integrated service networks which build on family strengths, resources, and natural supports and addresses needs families cannot otherwise meet themselves. The family is the center of a child's life, and parents know their children best.
Families are unique.
Supports provided must be flexible, based on common sense and facilitate positive family decision-making. Services must be community-based and family focused. Methods to meet the needs of children and families must recognize and build on the strengths of local communities. The needs of children and families must be addressed sooner rather than later, with an emphasis on outreach and prevention. Services and support must be ethnically sensitive and culturally relevant, facilitate higher levels of self-sufficiency, and address socioeconomic issues such as poverty, violence and illiteracy.