01
The system of care will be child and family centered and culturally sensitive, with the needs of the child and family determining the types and mix of services provided.

02
Access will be to a comprehensive array of services that addresses the child’s physical, emotional, educational, recreational and developmental needs.

03
Family preservation and strengthening along with the promotion of physical and emotional well-being shall be the primary focus of the system of care.

04
Services will be provided within the least restrictive, most natural environment that is appropriate to individual needs.

05
Services which require the removal of a child from his/her home will be considered only when all other options have been exhausted, and services aimed at returning the child to his/her family or other permanent placement are an integral consideration at the time of removal.

06
The system of care will include effective mechanisms to ensure that services are delivered in a coordinated and therapeutic manner, and that each child can move throughout the system in accordance with his/her changing needs, regardless of points of entry.

07
Families or surrogate families will be full participants in all aspects of the planning and delivery of services.

08
As children reach maturity, they will be full participants in all aspects of the planning and delivery of services.

09
Early identification of social, emotional, physical and educational needs will be promoted in order to enhance the likelihood of successful early interventions and lessen the need for more intensive and restrictive services.

10
The rights of children will be protected and effective advocacy efforts for children will be promoted.