Family Voices Resources

Family/Professional Partnerships

Family Engagement / Family/Professional Partnerships / Leadership in Family and Professional Partnerships / Tip Sheets


  • Date: 01/14/2019

A partnership is a relationship between individuals or groups that is characterized by mutual cooperation and responsibility for the achievement of a specified goal. Partnerships have been used as successful models in many disciplines. In health care, evidence has shown that strong doctor-patient relationships improve patient and family health outcomes. Key to such partnerships are the following principles:

  • Families and professionals work together in the best interest of the child and the family. As the child grows, s/he assumes a partnership role.
  • Everyone respects the skills and expertise brought to the relationship.
  • Trust is acknowledged as fundamental.
  • Communication and information sharing are open and objective.
  • Participants make decisions together.
  • There is a willingness to negotiate.


  • Keywords: partnership

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