GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Guiding Principles provide a foundation for interactions and relationships with the children, parents and families seeking care. They can make a crucial difference in families’ ability to heal, learn new skills, and become healthy, happy*, responsible, addiction free.

A belief that ….

~ All parents love their children.

~ Families tell us who they are -- we accept and welcome them.

~ Substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health challenges are not predestined. They have both genetic and environmental

causes.

~ Recovery is a process.

~ Everyone has the ability to learn new skills.

~ Everyone learns differently.

An intention to….

~ Be a community of lifelong learners.

~ Honor and respect the vital role of parents in their children's lives.

~ Create safe, nurturing relationships based on trust.

~ Be authentic and enter into our work knowing who we are and what we bring.

~ Listen to and accept what is shared, withholding judgment.

An understanding that …

~ People’s stories are important.

~ Diversity is to be honored.

~ We learn from each other.

~ We must model healthy living, including recovery.

~ Skills must be taught intentionally.

~ We must challenge society’s widely held beliefs about substance use disorders and families.

~ It is important to provide a safe space for participants to grow and develop.

*An alternative meaning for “happy” is “flourishing,” which evokes virtue, good conduct and generous citizenship. "Happiness in the ancient traditions is as much about the public health as it is about an individual’s endorphins.” (The Soul of American, Jon Meacham)