Priorities: Why Are Strong and Stable Families Important?

The opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing family is critical to achieving positive outcomes for children. Research shows children do best when they grow up in their own family. [i]

What are the Key Elements of Strong and Stable Families?

Policies that promote the following key elements help to ensure that children thrive within safe, permanent and lifelong families:

· Effective, timely and equitable decision-making for each and every child. Decisions that weigh critical risk and safety factors within families can ensure that all children and their parents get help in a timely way, regardless of their race or age.

· Continuum of services and supports. Every family is different. Parents in crisis need a range of services and supports to address their unique needs so they can ensure the safety and well-being of their children. In turn, all children need access to quality health care, education, mental health services, etc., regardless of where they live.

· Lifelong family connections. Even when children can’t live with their own parents, they need connections to family, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives, and other adults who can help nurture healthy social and emotional development.

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