Our initial efforts should be seen as a beginning, not an end. Sharing experiences with those we support is the best way to deepen our understanding. Sharing portions of our lives also develops the relationships upon which mutual commitment and interdependence are based. Careful implementation of a plan that honors choice is the first part of the process. The understanding that arises from sharing life experiences is the necessary next part of the process.
Understanding is a process that is focused on a moving target.
People change over time. People who have lived in impoverished environments may need a period of frequent change. They need to learn what their desired life-style is by trying a variety of settings. We need to keep listening to their words and behaviors while these individuals test the perception of who they are against the reality of their life experiences. This requires that we support change that occurs at the pace requested by the individual rather than the pace dictated by our review cycle.