About

A system of care builds not only on the strengths of the child and family, but also on the strengths of the community where that family lives. Providing community-based services means having high quality services accessible to families in the least restrictive setting possible. A community-based system of care requires systems to see the home, school, and neighborhood of the family from an asset perspective, and to identify the natural supports in these familiar surroundings as part of a strengths- based approach.

Keeping children in their homes, neighborhood schools, and local communities has a positive effect on child and family well- being. Moving, in many cases, generates unnecessary stress for an already traumatized child.

By remaining in the community, the child is able to retain critical bonds with friends, family, and school personnel.

When services are community-based, the work done with the child and family is in the context of where the child lives.

The community (faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, neighbors, and other institutions) can offer additional positive, informal supports to the child and family.