Collaboration (3.1)

Serves as a collaborative team member with all other professional and family members by willingly sharing information needed to make sound decisions, assisting in development of plans, and showing consideration to the needs and limits of other partners. To collaborate means to maintain a non-judgmental, open attitude when communicating with children, parents, and other team members.

Critical Thinking (3.2)

Forms independent judgments based on careful observations, discussion and research. A critical thinker searches for underlying reasons for behaviors and statements and verifies facts surrounding conflicting stories before making decisions.

Technical Knowledge (3.5)

Demonstrates familiarity with policies, regulations, laws and judicial processes that pertain to child welfare, including the roles and responsibilities of all others involved with the child and the need for documentation. The parent’s technical knowledge is enhanced by the partnership with others that occurs in planning, family team meetings and foster family events. The parent knows how to seek information regarding these technical aspects of practice.

Flexibility (3.8)

Shows willingness to change or revise plans quickly when necessary and can juggle attention between people and tasks effectively. A flexible parent can cope with the uncertainty of a child’s length of stay in their home and adjust to changes in the child welfare system. In the home, a flexible parent can acknowledge attempts, even when tasks are not done perfectly and is patient with the learning process, even for his or herself. Flexibility allows a parent to take advantage of learning opportunities when they arise.