Team members work together as colleagues. Recommendations from each team member are equally valued. While professionals can provide support and expertise, families have the ultimate responsibility of coordinating all the roles of a team, acting as caregivers, advocates, and decision makers. The expertise that families bring to systems of care is as vital as that of other team members. Each family has its own values.
Family members are best able to understand the needs of their child.
Contributions from other team members help a family make informed decisions that are in the best interest of their child. Strengthening collaboration between families and physicians greatly enhances the care of children with special health care needs. This center is a catalyst for this collaboration and hence improved care of children. As a parent of a child with a chronic illness, information is essential because it provides me with education I need to make decisions for my child's care. Access to this information is vital because it helps me navigate the health care system and achieve the best care possible for my child.