Adoptions Together’s Guiding Principles

The welfare of the children who need our help comes first.
Children need to maintain connections with their birth families and cultures even when they cannot be safely raised in their birth families.
Openness and honesty is healthy for children and families.
The ability to be a good parent does not depend upon wealth, race, religion, marital status, sexual preference or gender expression.
Education, support and guidance from qualified professionals before, during and after placement help children and their families succeed.

Permanency in a healthy family is best for children.
Creating, strengthening and sustaining healthy relationships is essential for achieving permanency.
Parents should have the option to choose adoption when they believe it is best for their children.
Foster care should be a temporary safe haven for children awaiting permanency.
Stays in foster care should be as short as possible.
The first foster care placement should be the last foster care placement.

Commitment to mission and awareness of guiding principles are necessary for every staff member, contractor and volunteer.
Good financial health is required to accomplish our mission.
Continuous improvement of programs and services requires knowledgeable, experienced and creative child welfare professionals and staff.
Racial, cultural, ethnic and religious diversity within our staff and contractors is essential for good decision-making.
Direct and honest communication is the best way to prevent and resolve conflict.