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Philosophy

The fundamental philosophy of Harbor Family Services is that every human being should have maximum opportunity to take an active self-actualizing part in life around him/her. We believe that every child is unique, and, as such, presents an array of special personal qualities that require individual attention by way of study, diagnosis, and treatment. Every child is entitled to a life that is free of unusual constraint, and the principle of "least restrictive alternative" applies not only to the choices of home life, but also to the general practices of management. Children grow from nurturance and support, not from punishment and deprivation. Consequently, our strategies are not based on punitive responses to unacceptable behaviors. At all times, behavior is managed within a nurturing and supportive relationship, with the primary objective of using reasoned discussion and collaborative problem solving as the avenue toward problem resolution.

Also central to our philosophy is the belief that all Harbor Family Services children are full partners in the treatment process. From the first contact, children and their families are encouraged to participate fully in the development of plans and the delivery of services. We have found this partnership which underpins all treatment plans and service delivery, works to empower the process of families regaining control of their lives. We also teach self-advocacy by both role-modeling and coaching, with the overriding theme of supporting families to achieve their greatest potential.

The milieu is viewed as the primary therapeutic medium for our clients, with safety as the overriding principle of care. Through a consistent experience with sensible routine, appropriate responsibilities, careful management, a stimulating recreation program, and integration into the community, most of our young people can begin to recover from the effects of past traumatic experiences and make positive choices for the future. Our focus is on a reliable, predictable day built upon meeting clients' basic needs from security, sleep, shelter, and nutritious meals, extending outward from there into a stimulating environment, a varied and exciting recreational program, and a rich mix of therapeutic modalities, including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, physical health services, and case management. Therapeutic relationships with empathic staff members are the foundational element of our programs. Staff receive extensive training regarding the significance of our child's trauma histories, and the necessity of trauma-informed care. They are well versed in the effect that trauma has on the brain, as well as how to view behavior as the "tip of the iceberg" and the need to examine below the surface. Staff have a clear understanding that acting out behavior is usually either a result of a skills deficit on the part of the child, or the child's attempt to avoid painful feelings at all costs.