Bridge Resource Family Practice Principles

1. We Continually Examine our Personal Values and Biases, Ensuring They do not Interfere With our Ability to Partner with Families
   • We must be aware of and recognize how we use (misuse) the power of the position of being resource parents
   • We will regularly enter into discussions / mentoring with the child welfare team about personal biases and the way they impact our work with children and families.
2. We Respect the Children and Families We Serve
   • We separate what parents have done from who they are
   • We remain humble, understanding that “any given day” it could be us
   • We hold a belief that people can change – with the right tools and resources
   • We hold a belief that partnering between the child’s family and the Bridge Family supports children
3. We Listen to the Voice of Children and Youth
   • We have frequent and meaningful conversations with children and youth about what they need to feel safe
   • We use language and make decisions which respect love for their family, and the need to connect to their culture
   • We ensure that children and youth have accurate information and understand what is happening in their lives
   • We actively find ways for children and youth to contribute to and have influence on the decisions made about their lives and foster a sense of control by being honest about their options and choices
4. We Continuously Seek to Learn Who Families Are and What They Need
   • We do not make assumptions about families
   • We communicate with families in their language in order to understand their experiences and culture
   • We have the attitude that we can make a difference
5. We Effectively Communicate through Team Work, Which Yields the Best Results for Children and Families
   • We are engaged in the process of teamwork, information sharing, and decision making
   • We honor the confidentiality of the information about the child’s family
6. We Maintain A Child’s Permanent Connection to Kin, Culture and Community
   • We recognize visitation between a child and their family is a child’s right
   • We understand families belong together and Bridge Resource Parents will help maintain optimal connections between a child, their family and their culture
   • We believe that siblings should be placed together; but if they are not, we help create frequent opportunities for them to see one another
7. We Create a Standard of Excellence and Cooperation in the Work We Do
   • We promote safety — children are not abused / neglected in out of home care
   • We support stability — children do not move unless absolutely necessary
   • We encourage self-sufficiency / empowerment and teach self protection / life skills