These standards aim to address the difficulties experienced by those in foster care and to break the cycle of children and young persons becoming "lost in the system". To this end, the standards assert that there should be a designated social worker for each child and young person in foster care; an assessment of the child's or young person's needs should be made prior to any placement or, in the case of emergencies, as soon as possible thereafter; and each child and young person in foster care should have a written care plan. The child or young person and his or her family should participate in the preparation of the care plan.