§ 991. Family policy guidelines. All state and local government programs should be guided by the following principles:

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1. Families are best served by comprehensive programs which are directed towards all aspects of individual and family development.

2. Families who are the consumers of services should be partners in the planning, delivery and evaluation of those services.

3. Families needs can be met best by developing and nurturing their inherent strengths.

4. Families deserve a realistic level of economic security.

5. Families receive the greatest benefit from flexible, accessible and comprehensive services which are delivered in a manner which is culturally and linguistically sensitive to their needs.

6. Families are best served when intervention occurs as early as possible and is designed to give priority to prevention of family disintegration. Primary emphasis should be given to establishing safe, nurturing environments which support the healthy growth of all family members.

7. Families who have members placed in care settings outside the nuclear family must be provided with services to help them reunite. If return is not possible, plans for alternative permanent care must be made by agencies caring for the child.

8. Families deserve services which are coordinated and where special attention is paid to ongoing accessibility to multiple services.

9. Families receive the greatest benefit from effective services delivered by a qualified, trained workforce. This workforce, especially direct caregivers, must receive professional recognition, support and appropriate compensation.

10. Families need public and voluntary human services systems which work together and are accountable to society, each other and the people they serve.