The book defines and discusses eight key elements of a family-centered approach to care for children with chronic illnesses and special health care needs: (1) recognition that the family is the constant in the child's life, while the service systems and personnel within those systems fluctuate; (2) facilitation of parent/professional collaboration at all levels of health care; (3) sharing of unbiased and complete information with parents about their child's care on an ongoing basis in an appropriate and supportive manner; (4) implementation of appropriate policies and programs that are comprehensive and provide emotional and financial support to meet the needs of families; (5) recognition of family strengths and individuality and respect for different methods of coping; (6) understanding and incorporating the developmental needs of infants, children, and adolescents and their families into health care delivery systems; (7) encouragement and facilitation of parent-to-parent support; (8) assurance that the design of health care delivery systems is flexible, accessible, and responsive to family needs. The document also offers the following: (1) a brief review of selected research studies; (2) a series of checklists for professionals and parents, states, communities, professional training programs, hospitals, and research investigations; (3) lists of selected technical organizations, audiovisual and written materials, and family-centered programs; and (4) a list of over 70 references. (JW)