Community-based services that assist and support parents in their role as caregivers with the goal of promoting parental competencies and strengthening family life, leading to healthy child and family development. Family support programs emphasize a proactive approach toward the prevention of problems including the following characteristics: partnership with families built on a relationship of mutual respect; participants as a vital resource in program decision-making and governance; community-based and culturally relevant services; education, information and skill-building for parents; and voluntary participation. (www.childwelfare.gov)