This paper synthesizes research, theories, and practical knowledge from developmental psychology and sociology to provide a basis for understanding, planning, and implementing effective and supportive partnerships between human-services providers and families. A family-centered approach is a process for delivering services to families, a philosophy based on an ecological model of the family. The ecological model builds and promotes families' existing strengths. Key components of the ecological model include creating partnerships and helping relationships; building the community environment; and linking families and community support. The ecological model borrows from systems theory (the notion that children must be understood in the context of their family relationships) and the"goodness of fit" child-development model (which seeks to improve the match between the needs of families with community resources and support). The paper also presents an overview of how the ecological paradigm has translated into practice--in Head Start programs, early intervention programs, family support programs, and the public schools. (Contains 39 references.) (LMI)