3.3.1 Relationship | 3.3.2 Culture | 3.3.3 All families have strengths and needs.

3.3 Principles and Assumptions

Assessment is guided by principles and assumptions that inform the process of engaging the family in a helping relationship and working together to address the essential needs of the child.

3.3.1 Relationship

• The assessment process is the basis for an effective, collaborative worker-family partnership. It requires that the worker display empathy, gunuineness and respect for the family and acknowledge the dignity of the family and the individuals involved in the case.
• Assessment requires a participatory process involving the family in all stages of the intervention. This collaborative worker-family partnership is the cornerstone of effective change. By bringing the family into the assessment process, by engaging all parties as informed "experts" in analysis and the change process, the worker sets the stage for reaching agreement with the parents as to the goals, needed services and evaluation. The participatory process empowers the family members to be part of all aspects of decision-making leading to the solution. That is the most effective way to achieve change.
• The family's participation in the assessment process is facilitated by honest dialogue at all stages of the process. This honest dialogue, or full disclosure, also has therapeutic value in that:
• It models openness, honesty and strength
• It reduces anxiety and frustration for family members
• It creates an atmosphere of trust, safety and predictability

Thus, the family members feel supported, respected and empowered, and perceive the worker as an advocate.

3.3.2 Culture

Workers and other professionals need to recognize, acknowledge and respect the family's cultural, religious and/or spiritual values. Those values can be a strength, and understanding them is essential to establishing a common ground with the family. The worker must also consider social and economic factors that impact the family. In this process, the worker needs to guard against imposing his or her values on the family situation and, instead, engage the parents and others in the family in an alliance on behalf of the safety and well-being of the child(ren).

3.3.3 All families have strengths and needs.

• Most parents want to resolve the problems and issues that confront them, and they want to be as effective as possible in their role as parents.
• Most families have had some success at solving past problems. Drawing on successful experiences helps identify skills needed by the family and gives the family hope for the future.
• Most families can be guided to utilize their strengths and resources to resolve the problems and issues confronting them and will be able to engage in some or all of the services needed.

3.3.1 Relationship | 3.3.2 Culture | 3.3.3 All families have strengths and needs.