The Integrated Treatment Strategies™ approach is guided by a commitment to a clearly formulated philosophy and set of values.
Teaching Model
Dysfunctional ways of thinking and behaving are learned when a child attempts to cope with severe trauma or neglect within the environment. A major focus of the ongoing treatment planning in Children's Services is to identify the specific ways of thinking and behaving that are in need of correction. Then it is possible to develop appropriate techniques for teaching more successful ways of coping.
Developmental Model
We understand the child in terms of where he or she is in an ongoing process of growth and development. Generally, we find that certain aspects of development in social, cognitive, emotional and behavioral spheres have been delayed. The developmental model enables Children's Services to begin, without judgement, where the child is.
Holistic Model
We are concerned about every aspect of the child's functioning. Problem behaviors are generally related both to overwhelming feelings and inadequate thinking patterns. Behaviors, feelings, and thoughts must all be understood in terms of the situational context in which they occur. Both in assessing the child and in planning and implementing interventions Children's Services maintains a focus on the whole pattern.
Commitment to the Child
Children's Services is acutely aware of the hurtful consequences that a succession of failed placements have on a child. Therefore, we make whatever adjustments in the services the child receives that are necessary to help that child succeed. Our goal for every child is that he or she be discharged only after the successful completion of our program.
Normalization
Normalization includes, but is not limited to, providing each child a home setting and living space that is similar to what any average child of his or her age might have. Daily living patterns, expectations and opportunities are also age appropriate as much as possible. Finally, in dress and behavior, the children are taught to present themselves in ways that maximize their being accepted by both their peers and adults in the larger environment.
Children's Rights
We are committed to upholding all rights of the child that have not been explicitly removed by the court. Services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap or disability. Clients are treated in the least restrictive environment and in the least restrictive manner. The rights of confidentiality are carefully protected. All other rights associated with human dignity and quality of treatment are scrupulously upheld.
Emotional Nurturance and Behavioral Help
Children's Services is committed to utilizing the best insights and skills from both psychodynamic and behavioral traditions. Children need affection and affirmation. They need help in resolving past conflicts. They need an environment that is sensitive to their special fears and vulnerabilities. They also need limits that are upheld in a firm, but benign and professional manner in order to feel secure and safe. Children's Services concentrates its efforts on developing plans of intervention that are comprehensive and balanced.
Building Community Resources
We believe that children best heal from trauma when they can be treated in local communities. To that end, Children's Services understands part of its task to be increasing local resources through employment and training of staff, collaboration with community providers, and building awareness among families, schools, and local businesses.
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