To fulfill its responsibility to protect and promote the safety, health and well-being of state's families and children, the DSS is seeking to establish collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations that will augment and strengthen the natural support systems that enhance the protective factors within families and communities, thereby allowing the Department to provide the most appropriate, efficient and effective response possible to the families brought to its attention. "Best practice" standards, rooted in culturally-based protective values, will be implemented to help ensure safe, loving and nurturing families for all the children and youth of state.