See "Victims of Crime/Victims of Crime Program."

The philosophy and practice of childcare that provides children with an educationally stimulating environment and individualized attention to a child’s individual needs and responsive to the cultural values of the parent/caregiver. Quality child care provides for positive interaction with other children; discipline appropriate to the child’s age and emotional state; and promotes a positive self-esteem and a sense of security and well-being in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment.

Out-of-home care facilities are required to maintain a reasonable living standard for children, which includes ample fresh food that is readily available to the child; stylish clothing, including clothing for special events such as proms, etc.; social support; educational advocacy; a variety of social and sports activities, including provision of sports equipment; and transportation to after-school activities, social events, jobs and ILP classes, etc.

Quality-of-life standards can also include:

1. how restrictive the facility is regarding what the child is allowed to do;
2. whether the child is allowed sufficient privacy to call his or her CSW or CASA;
3. where within the facility the child is allowed to go;
4. whether the child’s bedroom is age-appropriately decorated; and
5. whether the child can have friends visit, etc.

See "Qualify-of-Life Standards Document."

A format developed by the Foster Care Quality Assurance Investigation Unit for communicating quality-of-life issues via e-mail.