Our person-centered philosophy is our agency-wide commitment to focusing on the best interests of those we serve as being preeminent. The person-centered approach to our work ensures the children and families we serve can have confidence they will be valued, understood and protected. They are the heart of our motivation for all we do. Meeting their needs and helping them have a better and brighter future is our purpose. All of our agency’s policies, practices and decisions, from leadership to all other layers of our organization, will have what is best for our clients as our guiding principle.
The person-centered nature of our work is reflected in our mission, vision and values. It is embedded in the structure, delivery and goals of our programs. It finds support and authority through our ethical standards. It is manifested in the focus of our advocacy efforts. It is celebrated and embraced in our cultural competency and diversity views and strategies.
We base our services on the strengths, needs, abilities and preferences of our clients. Individualized service plans are put in place for each client based on a thorough assessment, a multifaceted treatment plan and collaboration with providers and partners to meet established goals. Constructive personal relationships are cultivated and nurtured with all clients. They are given opportunities to have a forum in which to express their opinions and needs all along the process of care.
All employees, contract workers and volunteers are trained in our person-centered philosophy. This applies to our Board members, executive and supervisory staff, social service direct care staff, clerical and office administration staff, development staff and volunteers having contact with the children/youth in our care.
Many of the children and youth who come into our care have special needs of many kinds. This is often the result of the trauma and difficult background experiences they have endured. It is our hope that the outcome of our person-centered philosophy will be children and youth who know they are valued, loved and supported through the process of their placement with us, enabling them to let down their maladaptive self-protective defenses and learn to trust us as they overcome their issues and learn better ways of dealing with the challenges they are facing in life.