Who and What is a Family?
Families are big, small, extended, nuclear, multi–generational, with one parent, two parents, and/or grandparents. Families live under one roof or many. A family endures and changes over time; one becomes part of a family by birth, adoption, marriage, or from a desire for mutual support. Each family is a culture unto itself with different values and unique ways of realizing its dreams. Together, our families become the source of our collective rich cultural heritage and spiritual diversity. Our families create neighborhoods, communities, states, nations and our world. • The family unit is our focus of attention. Family-centered practice means that we work with the family as the primary focus of attention, support and intervention, promoting the safety, well–being and permanent connections between family members, including children identified as needing specific care and attention. Caregivers and siblings receive services in accordance with the needs of the family and the wishes of a fa
