Recent changes in social policy are having a significant impact on the delivery of human services. At the same time, multiple factors are placing children and their families at increased risk for negative outcomes. In the midst of this turmoil, early childhood special educators must remain committed to a family-focused philosophy that has the potential 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 family strength; a partnership approach to service provision; a family-centered, family-driven agenda; an individualized response to family needs and capacities; a broad-based, comprehensive view of family development; and an assessment of outcomes based on family functioning and the quality of life of family members. Challenges in implementing strength-based, family support approaches for families with multiple risks are discussed and implications for policy and research are presented.
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