Guiding Principles for Family Support in South Dakota

Philosophy:
Family Support Services shall not be confined to a single program or set of services and shall be a philosophy that permeates all programs and services.

Importance of Family:
The family of each individual with a developmental disability must be provided the support necessary so that the individual can live in a stable family environment regardless of the severity of the disability or the degree of support necessary.

Focus on the Whole Family:
Family support must focus on the needs of the entire family.

Flexibility:
Family support must be flexible and responsive to the unique and changing needs of individual families.

Inclusion:
Family support must promote the full inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities into all aspects of family and community life.

Family Expertise:
Families must be included in the policy making, planning, implementation, personal and programmatic spending decisions, and evaluation of family supports.

Family Driven:
Families of individuals with developmental disabilities are best able to determine their own needs and must be empowered to make decisions concerning necessary, desirable, and appropriate services.

Cultural Sensitivity:
Family support must be consistent with and respectful of the cultural preferences and orientations of individual families and provided in an accessible manner.

Independence:
Family support must assist families across the life span, both when the member with a disability is a minor living at home and when the member is an adult who lives or wants to live independently.