Family-centered care is the foundation on which our early intervention therapy services are provided. This model of service-delivery is considered ‘best practice’ because positive child development outcomes go hand-in-hand with family involvement and support. In practice, family-centered care at SHARE means that:
►Parents and therapists make decisions together, and parents have the final decision regarding their child and his or her treatment plan.
►Parents are given complete and unbiased information to help them make informed decisions about their child’s care.
►Parents receive copies of all reports written by SHARE staff about their child and family. Copies of reports will not be shared with others without written consent from parents.
►Scheduling is planned to minimize disruption to the family and child’s routine.
►Parents are offered as much choice as possible about their child’s program. Recommended strategies are designed to fit into the family’s lifestyle in order to minimize stress.
►Services can be delivered in a variety of locations including at home, at SHARE, or at a daycare, preschool or other community setting.
►Family-identified needs are addressed directly and/or through referral to community agencies.
►Support programs and services are made available to the whole family, including parents and brothers and sisters. Extended family members are welcomed as members of the child’s decision-making and intervention team - with parent approval.