It's mission is to enhance the ability of families to protect, nurture, educate and support the development of their children so that each child's full potential is achieved. Children need enduring relationships with adults. Parents have the primary responsibility for meeting the needs and addressing the development of their children. Parents are children's first teachers. Services must focus on the entire family unit and strengthen incentives for self sufficiency and economic independence.
Families are to be involved in all aspects of planning and delivery of services to that family.
Services shall focus on prevention, education and early intervention. If families do not or are unable to meet their responsibility to their children, the State will make every effort to strengthen and reunify the child and family or provide a permanent, stable placement for the child. Programs and services to children and families should be coordinated through a flexible system of administration that is comprehensive, unified, effective and efficient. Programs shall allow for regional, cultural and ethnic sensitivity of children and families, be based on local community characteristics and resources, and allow for local input. Participation in programs shall be voluntary on the part of any child or family unless otherwise required by law.