Core Values for the System of Care
  • The System of Care should be child-centered, with the needs of the child and family dictating the types and mix of services provided.
  • The System of Care should be community-based, with the focus of services, as well as management and decision-making responsibility resting at the community level.

Guiding Principles for the System of Care

  1. Children with emotional disturbances should have access to a comprehensive array of services that address the child’s physical, emotional, social, and educational needs.
  2. Children with emotional disturbances should receive individualized services in accordance with the unique needs and potentials of each child and guided by an individualized service plan.
  3. Children with emotional disturbances should receive services within the least restrictive, most normative environment that is clinically appropriate.
  4. The families and surrogate families of children with emotional disturbance should be full participants in all aspects of the planning and delivery of services.
  5. Children with emotional disturbances should receive services that are integrated with linkages between child-caring agencies, programs, and mechanisms for planning, developing and coordinating services.
  6. Children with emotional disturbances should be provided with case management or similar mechanisms to ensure the multiple services are delivered in a coordinated and therapeutic manner, and that they can move through the system of services in accordance with their changing needs.
  7. Early identification and intervention for children with emotional problems should be promoted by the system of care in order to enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes.
  8. Children with emotional disturbances should be ensured smooth transitions to the adult service system as they reach maturity.
  9. The rights of children with emotional disturbances should be protected and effective advocacy efforts for emotionally disturbed children and youth should be promoted.
  10. Children with emotional disturbances should receive services without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, physical disability or other characteristics, and services should be sensitive and responsive to cultural differences and special needs.
 
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