These principles are built upon partnership with families to promote strong families, healthy children, and caring communities. The basic relationship between program and family is one of equality and respect. The program's first priority is to establish and maintain this positive relationship with families. Participants are a vital resource. Parents serve as resources for each other, participate in program decisions, and advocate for themselves in the community.
Programs are community-based and culturally and socially relevant to the families they serve.
Programs are often a bridge between families and other services outside the program. Parental education, human development, and skill-building are important elements of every program. Programs are voluntary. Seeking support and information is viewed as a sign of family strength.