Our Vision, Guiding Principles and Values

OUR VISION

PIFA provides professional early intervention to support vulnerable families in their childrearing role from pregnancy to age five.

VALUES

PIFA's work is embedded in a framework of respect and caring and is guided by values which grow out of a social justice perspective.

PIFA’s Guiding Principles

From its inception, the work of PIFA has been based on the understanding that the quality of the relationship between babies and their early carers form a foundation for later life.
The work is:

intensive, individualized and long term when necessary
enhanced by the formation of strategic partnerships
linked to outcomes via an ongoing action research model
based on the latest research
provided by highly qualified professionals
informed by the wisdom and tacit knowledge of our clients
focused on connecting parents with a range of supports and facilitating the formation of a therapeutic community around each family
committed to facilitating reflection on the work and dissemination of insights and learning gained to others involved with families
cost effective, as the majority of funding is channeled into direct work with families due to keeping overheads to a minimum and a high percentage of donated and in kind resources

PIFA's Values

Value	What is needed to achieve this	How we do this
Creativity	Trust Acceptance Freedom of expression Tolerance Flexibility Stimulation	Peer support Development of relationships within PIFA Clear policies and protocols Clear job descriptions Training
Trust	Communication Empathy Acceptance	Openness of communication Willingness to share mistakes / difficulties encountered Willingness to feedback if uncomfortable / concerned Clarity around professional responsibility
Nurturance	Support systems Personal growth Acceptance	Social outings Acknowledge core depression & despair in the work Training program for consultants Reading group Succession planning
Reflection	Space to reflect Trust Acceptance	Peer reflection sessions Individual reflection sessions Writing up our work Physical space for PIFA Evaluation of work
Acceptance of Diversity	Acceptance Tolerance Trust Understanding	Recruit new members Share our own diversity Training on indigenous and CALD cultures
Responsiveness to Clients' Communities	Understanding Acceptance Ability to hear and be heard	Develop clear referral processes Newsletter Data base
Professional Integrity	Confidentiality Accountability	Develop protocols Letters for clients to clarify boundaries Support responsible leadership
Transformative Ability	Holding and Containment	Containment for workers (reflective sessions) Containing leadership (support /clarity around expectations)