The following are important principles that guide our work.

• Assessing and treating children not in isolation, but as part of a family and community system. Sometimes children act out or develop problems as a result of living in chaotic situations, and therefore, part of any solution developed must take into account the role of the family and the greater community on the child’s emotional well being.
• Providing services that are responsive to the needs of clients. This does not mean that we can be all things to all people, but it does mean we will remove barriers or obstacles that may be preventing a child or family from participating in a recommended course of treatment. We will also work collaboratively with other agencies in order to better serve our clients when we alone are unable to meet their needs.
• Serving our clients in a manner that takes into account cultural differences. In order to effectively work with children and families we must recognize the continuing diversity of clients seen by staff and deliver services in a manner that is culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Adhering to the highest standards developed by the field to assure quality and to regularly assess the effectiveness of services delivered. The Center has a commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards of treatment and services as expressed in such bodies as the Joint Commission. We are also committed to an ongoing process for collecting and analyzing data regarding the effectiveness of the services we deliver and to make the necessary modifications in order to improve client outcomes.
• Being good stewards of the money and resources that have been given to us to operate the Center. Accordingly, we express our gratitude to our donors not only by making sure that they are properly thanked and recognized, but that we spend their money wisely and maintain all buildings and property in a responsible, cost-effective manner.