1.1 YOUR VISION FOR CHILDREN IN CARE
Think about children in care and about your hopes and dreams for them and for their futures. At the same time, think about your job, about what your commitment is to these most vulnerable children. Your hopes for and commitment to the children is your “vision” for children.
Here is a sample vision statement you can use as a starting point as you develop your personal vision statement. Please work with the statement until it reflects your vision for children in care and your commitment to them. You may want to add items, delete items, or change items. Your goal is to make the vision statement yours.
After each item in your vision statement, write a sentence or two about why you think its important for children in care.
Children in care:
Must have their needs for food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, and spiritual nurturing met.
Deserve my unconditional love and respect.
Must develop a strong sense of self-worth and personal esteem.
Are entitled to live in a safe, nurturing home where they can develop to their fullest potentials.
Must learn how to be responsible, contributing members of the community.
What else should be in this section of your personal vision statement to make it right for you?
(a.)
(b.)
I will:
Accept personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of each child in my home.
Value and build on each child’s individual strengths.
Convey strong values, a clear sense of responsibility, and realistic expectations to each child.
Provide a positive role model for children.
Do all I can to make sure children get the services and special help they need.
Work to eliminate any barriers preventing children from reaching their full potentials.
What else should be in this section of your personal vision statement to make it right for you?
(a.)
(b.)
My promise to each child in my home is:
I will honestly share my feelings and ideas with you. From me, you will always get the truth.
I will always use age-appropriate and respectful communication, problem solving, and interpersonal approaches with you.
I will openly and honestly let you know how your behavior is affecting me and other people in the family.
I sincerely care about you and about what you think and feel.
I will be there for you, when you need me, where you need me, for as long as you are in my care, doing what you need to have done.
I will consistently provide emotional and interpersonal support and security for you.
I will help you understand the implications of not dealing right now with your problems.
I will do all I can to help you get the help you need.
I expect you to participate in making choices about the help you get and in deciding about what problems and issues we choose to work on.
What else should be in this section of your personal vision statement to make it right for you?
(a.)
(b.)
Please send comments or questions to Gary A. Crow, Ph.D. GAC@garycrow.net || and visit www.garycrow.net.