Empowering Children and Families through Strength-Based Assessment – The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for using a strength-based assessment approach in planning services for children. First, a definition of strength-based assessment, its advantages, and principles are provided. Then, a standardized measure, the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS), that assesses the emotional and behavioral strengths of children is described. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the use of the BERS in assessing emotional and behavioral strengths and involving families, professionals, and natural supports in service planning.