Investment in evaluation is essential for continuous quality improvement. Creating positive change requires the development of strong relationships. It is important to have realistic expectations for family support programs that utilize home visits to reach stressed, isolated families facing multiple challenges. Principles of Family Support Practice Staff and families work together in relationships based on equality and respect. Staff enhance families capacity to support the growth and development of all family members - adults, youth, and children.
Families are resources to their own members, to other families, to programs, and to communities.
Programs affirm and strengthen families cultural, racial, and linguistic identities and enhance their ability to function in a multicultural society. Programs are embedded in their communities and contribute to the community-building process. Programs advocate with families for services and systems that are fair, responsive, and accountable to the families served. Practitioners work with families to mobilize formal and informal resources to support family development. Programs are flexible and continually responsive to emerging family and community issues.