Oklahoma Individual and Family Support Principles

are guiding truths that shape the way individuals, families, and service providers interact establish common ground upon which individuals, families, advocates, and service providers operate form the basis for program policy and practice.

WHEN WE ENGAGE WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WE WILL…

HONOR THEIR EXPERTISE and right to make choices that they know to be in their own best interest

RESPECT AND ACCEPT THEIR VALUES that are based in personal preferences, cultural beliefs and life-ways

SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS that are safe, stable, and long lasting

FOCUS ON THE ENTIRE FAMILY as it is defined by the family

PROMOTE FLEXIBLE SERVICE AND FUNDING supporting individual and family control over who, what, when, where, and how supports are provided

AFFIRM LIFESPAN PLANNING AND SELF-DETERMINATION that encourages decision-making and planning for independence beginning within the family when children are young, following the individual throughout their life and including aging issues

ASSURE PARTNERSHIPS WHICH ACTIVELY INCLUDE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES in planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, practices, and personal programs

PRACTICE OPEN COMMUNICATION promoting a clear understanding of all aspects of systems policy, procedure, practice, and all other information regarding them

RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COMMUNITY, where individuals and their families belong and realize their full potential

All people need enduring, stable family, and community relationships. All families need support at times in their lives to maintain these lasting relationships. Individual and family support must assist across the lifespan, supporting the child within the family, and the individual reaching independence. This assistance builds on natural sources of support including extended families, friends, neighbors, and community associations. The way support is provided is a reflection of what we believe about individuals and families, a way of thinking about individuals and families, and a way of engaging with individuals and families.