Family Engagement in Systems Checklist

The organization uses written policy that requires family engagement in systems-level initiatives.

The organization has one or more champions of family engagement.

The organization acknowledges the contributions family leaders make to systems-level initiatives.

The organization's budget includes funding for family leaders' time and/or other costs they incur (for example, travel, child care).

The organization provides adequate time for staff to implement changes that result from family
engagement in systems-levels initiatives (for example, educating staff about new policies). 

The organization conducts activities to understand the issues faced by the children and families they serve (for example, used data or conducted a focus group

The organization ensures all staff and families have a clear understanding of the initiative they will work on
together.

The organization provides the supports families and staff need to understand their partnership role (for example mentors/coaching).

The organization ensures all participants have the supports they need to participate in meetings (for
example, physical access, interpreters, time away from other work responsibilities).

The organization ensures all participants have the information they need to participate in meetings.

Family leaders are representative of the races and ethnicities of the populations served by the initiative.

Family leaders are representative of the cultures of the populations served by the initiative.

Family leaders are representative of the languages spoken by the populations served by the initiative.

Family leaders are representative of geographic areas in which populations served by the initiative live

Organization staff listen to family leaders' ideas

Organization staff engage family leaders in choosing goals for the initiative.

Organization staff work together with family leaders to implement the initiative. 

Organization staff work together with family leaders to evaluate the initiative.

Organization staff use family leaders' input to improve the initiative.

Organization staff can explain how family leaders contribute to the initiative.