A STRENGTH-BASED APPROACH IN SUPPORT OF MULTIRISK FAMILIES - PRINCIPLES AND ISSUES

Recent changes in social policy are having a significant impact on the delivery of human services. At the same time, multiple factors are pl acing children and their families at increased risk for negative outco mes. In the midst of this turmoil, early childhood special educators m ust remain committed to a family-focused philosophy that has the poten tial to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families. This article discusses six principles associated with strength-based approaches to family support: a philosophy based on fa mily strength; a partnership approach to service provision; a family-c entered, family-driven agenda; an individualized response to family ne eds and capacities; a broad-based, comprehensive view of family develo pment; and an assessment of outcomes based on family functioning and t he quality of life of family members. Challenges in implementing stren gth-based, family support approaches for families with multiple risks are discussed and implications for policy and research are presented.