familycentric

Family-centric is an adjective for approaches that place the family at the center of decisions and service delivery. It assumes that family members, including primary caregivers and children, participate in shaping outcomes. A family-centric model treats the family as a unit and aims to support its wellbeing, stability, and development through coordinated supports.

In healthcare, it involves collaborating with families in planning care and in decision making, and allowing input during treatment. In education and social services, it means engaging families in goal setting, sharing information, and tailoring supports to household circumstances. In policy and design, it seeks accessible, inclusive environments for households with children and flexible services. In marketing, it aims to address parental and caregiving needs with appropriate messaging and products.

Critics warn that overemphasis on families can marginalize individuals in non-traditional arrangements or with limited family support. Privacy, consent, and resource allocation concerns may arise if family involvement becomes a gatekeeper for services. Proponents counter that, when voluntary and inclusive, family-centric approaches can improve engagement, satisfaction, and outcomes.

Related terms include family-centric care and family-centric policies, which share a focus on aligning services with the needs of families and individuals.