We believe children and youth who have serious emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges:
 | Must be individuals first. |
| Have rights and strengths that should be respected by all. |
| Are members of a family. |
Families of these young people:
| Have strengths and needs. |
| Must be viewed as team members and experts since they have 7 days a week, 24 hours a day lifelong experiences. |
| Have many ways of adjusting to family needs. |
| Are a source of strength for their young people. |
Services provided to children or youth with special needs and their families:
| Must emphasize strengths, must be based on need, and are affordable. |
| Must be accessible for that family. |
| Must be provided respectfully, non-judgmentally, and unconditionally. |
| Must be provided when possible, support through networking and partnerships with others. |
| Must be provided locally whenever possible. |