Guiding Principles

We believe that public safety is best served by promoting the development of a balanced continuum of juvenile justice services that include prevention, intervention, probation, commitment and aftercare.

We believe that all youth deserve services that are delivered in a manner that meets the highest professional and ethical standards.

We believe that all placement decisions should be individualized and based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation utilizing defined assessment protocols.

We advocate for sound legislation and Department policies/procedures that are based on research and that contribute to and supports effective juvenile justice services.

We recognize that the needs of children and adolescents are different than adults and we advocate for a responsive justice system that translate into effective policies, programs, and services.

We believe that programming is most effective when there is a balance between treatment and public safety considerations and we advocate for the least restrictive care to change lives and protect the public.

We believe that all youth in need of specialty services such as mental health and substance abuse must receive these services as part of the juvenile justice intervention.

We understand that education is a key ingredient of a youth’s success and advocate for dynamic and individualized educational and vocational services geared to the learning level of the youth served.

We understand that effective programming and successful public safety initiatives and the development of a professional workforce can only be achieved with adequate funding.