Indiana Practice Model

The DCS Practice Model includes practice principles and essential skills to e�ectively implement its vision, mission and values. These principles and skills build upon practice that supports continuous quality improvement and the outcomes of safety, permanency and well-being for children and families. Additionally, the practice model is grounded in standards of genuineness, empathy, respect and professionalism. These also set the tone, for DCS,in developing trust based relationships with children, families and stakeholders. Similarly, DCS focuseson these standardswhen engaged with co-workers as a sign of mutual respect, trust and support for fellow team members.

Vision and MissionVision: Children thrive in safe, caring, and supportive families and communities.Mission: The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) protects children from abuse and neglect, and works to ensure their �nancial support.

Practice PrinciplesBased on Values

PracticeSkills

Trust-BasedRelationshipsGenuineness, Empathy,

Respect, Professionalism

DCS Practice Model PyramidDCS Values

We believe: • Every child has the right to be free from abuse

and neglect

• Every child has the right to appropriatecare and a permanent home

• The best place for children to grow up is with their own families

• Children and older youth have theright to permanent and lifelong connections

• Parents have the primaryresponsibility for the care and safety of their children

• In personal accounta- bility for outcomes,

including one’s own growth and

development

• Every person has value,

worth and dignity