VISION
We live in a responsive, compassionate community that supports and strengthens families, recognizes the uniqueness of each, honors and preserves relationships, and instills hope.

MISSION
Through trusting partnerships of families and informal and formal relationships, our mission is to provide comprehensive, non-stigmatizing supports and services.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Children should not be harmed.

2. People will be treated with respect and acceptance for diversity and family culture.

3. Services and treatment build upon strengths and involve family and community supports.

4. Families are key stakeholders in designing and implementing their child’s individualized plan.

5. Child and family serving organizations commit both financial and human resources to strengthen families.

6. Positive outcomes are achieved through early intervention and evidence-based practices.

7. Services may be accessed through any agency within a well integrated system of care.

8. We strive for community-based, least restrictive treatment by engaging the home, school, and community resources as the optimal method for providing care and support to children and families.

9. Children with emotional disturbances should be ensured seamless transitions to the adult services system as they reach maturity.

FAMILY LEVEL GOALS

1. Our children and youth are kept in the community whenever possible.
INDICATORS:
* Out-of-county residential placements will decrease.
* Length of stay in out-of-county residential placements will decrease.

2. Families are supported in their efforts to meet the child’s goals and potential.
INDICATORS:
* Families report feeling supported.
* Families report they are getting the tools they need to help their child become a successful adult.
* Families learn to value and understand their uniqueness and to use it to successfully meet their goals.

3. Children and youth are successful at home, in the school, and in the community.
INDICATOR: CAFAS scores improve in the domains of home, school, and community.

SYSTEM LEVEL GOALS

1. The system works together to best serve children, youth and their families.
INDICATORS:
* Partners write a single plan of service and support, with all responsibilities clearly indicated.
* A family provides their demographic information and social history only once.
* Families report that one phone call accesses help.

2. Access to CMH Children’s Services is improved.
STRATEGY: An agreed upon screening instrument with qualifying score will assure an assessment by CMH.
INDICATORS: A standardized screening tool is used by partnering organizations.