Question
What does it mean to be family-centered?
Answer
The definition of family-centered is that all people are treated the same, with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or their socioeconomic status. In addition, providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with children and families that are affirming and useful. I see people struggling a lot with sharing unbiased information. Often, parents picking up their children will hear reports from the teacher that their child "had a horrible day today" or "they had a great day." In both of those statements, the teacher has infused their judgment about the child's day. Sometimes, the information is more about how the teacher dealt with the behaviors than it is about how that child behaved. Instead, the teacher can share unbiased information, focusing on what happened without judging or labeling it as good or bad. For example, "When it was math time, Jimmy went under the table..."
Another characteristic of family-centered practice is that children and families are encouraged and supported for participation in care and decision-making at the level they choose. We're encouraging families to be a part of the decision-making. We're not just saying, "Here's the IEP. Sign off on it." We want families to be a part of the process and involved in the conversation around how much-related service is required to help the child be successful. We're finding ways to incorporate them in that decision-making, versus just telling them what we're going to do. Furthermore, with family-centered practice, collaboration among children, families, and providers occurs in policy and program development and professional education, as well as in the delivery of care. How are we incorporating families across the board to make sure that we're providing family-based services? Are we including families in professional education? This is the definition of what it means to be family-centered.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It (Family-Centered Practice & Teaming), by Tara Warwick, MS.
