This vision demands that there be developed in Los Angeles County, a collaborative network of systems that work in concert to support and strengthen the capacity of families to provide for their children's growth and development.

• An economically viable and emotionally secure family, reinforced by a supportive community, is the best place to meet the needs of children and adolescents.
• Children need a continuum of services that is capable of responding to their unique needs and family situation.
• Systems should provide prevention and early intervention as well as remediation.
• The lives of the children--not the existence of the agency or system--must be paramount.
• The diverse and multicultural nature of the neighborhoods and populations in Los Angeles County demands great flexibility in the systems and in their responsiveness to the various communities.
• Systems and agencies must ensure equitable responsiveness and flexibility to address the needs of all communities.
• Intersystem communication and linkages must be ensured at all levels.
• Systems must be held accountable for improving the lives of children and families. Desired outcomes must be specified and results measured and evaluated.
• The systems should be user-friendly, easily accessible, understandable, and have a warm, human face.
• The systems and agencies must understand the fact that everyone must give up a little so that the children can gain a lot.