How Will We Know?

We will know that supports are person-centered when we see that ....

Families are valued and supported in their own right.

	Families feel welcome, supported and respected.
	All children grow up with families.
	There is recognition that families need different levels and types of supports -- not "one size fits all" programs -- and supports change along with the needs and circumstances of the family and the individual.
	Family supports are family-centered and family-directed. Services and supports are provided in ordinary places and build on the unique strengths of each family. Achieving outcomes important to each family's quality of life serves as the basis of each family's supports.
	Families receive assistance in futures planning.

Relevant information and training opportunities are continuously available to individuals and families.

	Individuals and families have ready access all the time to clear, concise, understandable, user-friendly, "how to" information about services and supports.
	There is access to information, training, technical assistance, and an ongoing cycle of learning at all levels: individuals, families, providers, state, local and federal systems, and communities.
	Information and communications are available to individuals and families in multiple languages, through many means (including online) and formats.
	Individuals and families participate in designing and are welcome to participate in all opportunities for education and training.
	There is a high priority on providing training and education to individuals and families that enables them to direct their services and take control of their lives.
	"Information is essential to choice and individual family empowerment."

A person-centered system works in partnership with all networks of support.

	People have one plan that pulls together all sources of paid, generic and natural supports in pursuit of their personal vision.
	There is active sponsorship and encouragement of strategies that build on and enhance the role of natural supports in people's lives.
	The system flexes to support unique and creative ways to support people, including public-private partnerships and amplifying the availability of generic supports.
	There is sponsorship and support for ongoing formal training and education programs about the role of natural and community supports in meeting the needs of individuals.
	There is vigorous outreach to communities in order to build effective partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and agencies in support of the inclusion of people in the full fabric of community life.
	"The public system does not drive everything but must work in tandem with all support networks."

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