MHDD Services
for Children and Youth

System of Care - Core Values and Guiding Principles

The system of care (SOC) is distinguished from other initiatives by a set of core values and guiding principles that are as follows (Stroul & Friedman, 1986)

• Child centered and family focused, with the needs of the child and family dictating the types and mix of services provided

• Community based, with the locus of services as well as management and decision making responsibility resting at the community level

• Culturally Competent, with agencies, programs, and services that are responsive to the cultural, racial and ethnic differences of the populations they serve

The guiding principles of a system of care include:

• Children should have access to a comprehensive array of services that address the child’s physical, emotional, social, educational and cultural needs

• Children should receive individualized services in accordance with their unique needs and potential which is guided by an individualized service plan

• Children should receive services within the least restrictive, most normative environment that is clinically appropriate

• Children should receive services that are integrated, with linkages between child serving agencies and programs and mechanisms for planning, developing and coordinating services

• Children should be provided with case management or similar mechanisms to ensure that multiple services are delivered in a coordinated, therapeutic manner and adapted in accordance with the changing needs of the child and family

• Children should receive services without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, physical disability or other characteristics