Our Residential Philosophy

Our residential philosophy includes these beliefs, which guide our approach to our students’ care and formation:

• Recognition of the dignity of all people as created in God’s image
• Belief in the student’s ability to progress and advance through strengths-based practice
• Strengths-based approach to behavior management through Life-Space Crisis Intervention and Love and Logic based on core values such as respect, caring, collaboration, resilience and possibility
• Mutual respect according to the houseparent/student role
• Courtesy and the Circle of Courage values of Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity
• Flexibility based upon a child’s developmental level
• The transition from least-restrictive to most-restrictive consequence levels
• Personal relationships that enhance the opportunity for growth
• An environment that fosters the well-being of students and staff members because help is normative and harm of any sort is unacceptable

In addition to these beliefs, the Circle of Direction Privilege System provides students the opportunity to gain confidence and privileges as they progress from Centering through Phase IV. Advancement through these phases is based primarily on the student’s behavior in both the school and home. Each student age grouping also has age-appropriate requirements to complete in order to advance through the phases. As the student is promoted from one phase to the next, responsibilities and privileges increase.