The Family Assistance and Parent Support Program

Founding Principles

The Family Assistance and Parent Support Program was developed to encompass sensible, necessary and basic principles which function to best serve the interests of the child, the child’s immediate family, extended family and the community as a whole.  These established principles are:

a)      Upon separation, that every child is acknowledged to possess certain inalienable rights which are outlined in “The Rights of Children”.  The rights and protections of the child shall be given the highest priority above all other considerations.

b)   Upon separation, that both parents should be provided the opportunity to parent their child within a fair parenting arrangement, which provides the opportunity for the child to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.  Acknowledgement that equivalent parenting time with each involved parent within in a safe and loving environment is in the child's best interests.

c)   Upon separation, that each parent must be given the fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their capability and willingness to parent, along with contributing to aspects and issues which represent the best interests of the child.

d)   That both parents contribute financially to the well being of their children.  This contribution should reflect an amount that is fair and equitable, reflecting their ability and financial standing.

e)   That families experiencing conflict during separation and divorce need ongoing support from the community until such a time that as they are able to develop a working relationship between themselves that is in the best interests of their children.

f)    That parental conduct which promotes cooperation and openness between parents, as well as encourages the other parent’s participation in parenting of the child, is a significant factor in eliminating conflict and emotional stress which is in the best interest of all members of the family.

g)   That a child's friends, school and familiar community are important social factors that should not be disrupted due to separation and divorce if at all possible.

h)  That conflicts within families are not isolated incidents that affect only those in the immediate family, but indirectly impact other members of the community as a whole and as such may require the community as a whole to help solve.

i)    That families experiencing conflict will benefit by a process that resolves their conflicts in the most non-adversarial manner possible.

j)    That meaningful and effective positive motivators, as well as enforcement control procedures, will inspire parents to comply willingly with the goals and objectives of an effective parenting program.

k)   That positive parental role models, both male and female, play a vital part in the mental, emotional and spiritual growth of the child.

l)   That the role of parent is a privilege that each parent must be allowed to maintain through their demonstration of parenting skills that recognize the needs of the child and the importance that both parents play in their children’s lives.

m)  That a child’s care and upbringing should be the primary responsibility of the natural parents, providing this is consistent with the best interests of the child.

n)   Should a child’s natural parents be unable or unwilling to fulfill their duties as parents or should it be determined that it is not in the best interest of the child to be cared for by the natural parents, then the opportunity to care for the child should first be made available to the child’s extended family, then the community (adoption or permanent placement) and then the state (foster care or interim placement), in that order of priority.

Dec 13, 2000