The partners at the PARK project have collectively and collaboratively agreed that parent and family member involvement is essential to the development and maintenance of a system of care. Therefore, we have agreed to the following vision, mission and values regarding parent and family inclusion:
Vision of Family Inclusion
Children with behavioral health needs and their families in Bridgeport will enjoy a comprehensive array of effective services, supports and systems that are driven by their needs, goals, desires, hopes, dreams and cultures.
Mission for Family Inclusion
To provide support, education and build alliances to ensure family leadership at all levels of the children’s behavioral health system.
Values for Family Inclusion:
- A non-judgmental and supportive system for all children and families where family input, knowledge and expertise are valued
- All families have an equal voice
- An open process for families at all levels
- Action oriented
- Family driven
- Children and families are the focus, not agencies or systems
- Culturally respectful, sensitive and competent
- An environment that empowers families through parental ownership of the direction and exchange within the community
- Respect that every family needs and is entitled to a support system to help them
- Parents are most knowledgeable and caring about their children
- Parents are the experts regarding their own children
- Family leadership is essential to positive systems change
- We listen to each others’ stories and respect each others’ experiences and challenges.
- We respect each others confidentiality