YOUTH CONSULTATION SERVICE
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DOCUMENT #: A-1 Procedure Date: 7/13/10
Rev.:
TITLE: YCS MISSION
Overview of YCS
Since 1918, YCS has been a leader in the human service arena in New Jersey. YCS has built a reputation of serving those most in need in a manner that offers hope, caring, and the chance for consumers to reach their greatest potential. YCS offers a full array of services throughout the Garden State, including foster care and residential safe havens, special education and schools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and family support and in-home services. YCS operates nearly 80 programs across the state, serving over 4000 children, youth, young adults and their families each year.
Mission of YCS
YCS partners with each child to build a healthy, happy, productive life within families and communities.
We have expanded our mission to provide services to children and adult developmentally disabled consumers and their families. YCS is committed to partner with consumers to help them reach their highest potential by recognizing their needs, dreams and preferences in an environment that embraces and respects normalization and community integration.
Philosophy of YCS
YCS’ Developmental Disabilities programs are founded on the belief that all people, regardless of circumstances, have inherent worth and the right to be treated with dignity.
Furthermore, YCS believes that people with developmental disabilities should be encouraged to exercise and enjoy the rights guaranteed to them as citizens of the United States of America and the State of New Jersey to the fullest extent of the law.
This underlying philosophy is made clearer by the following ideals:
· All people have gifts and contributions to make to the community.
· All people have the right and opportunity to participate in community life with fellow citizens and develop a sense of belonging to the community.
· All people have a right to earn income and participate as full citizens of the community.
· All people have a right to equal access to appropriate public education and other learning opportunities to develop and expand their skills and interests.
· All people have the right to have friends and relationships of their choice.
· All persons with developmental disabilities will be supported in speaking up for themselves and in making responsible and reasonable choices when making decisions about their lives.
· All persons with developmental disabilities will receive equal protection as citizens of New Jersey, especially when facing legal action or contesting infringements on their safety or rights.
· All persons with developmental disabilities will have equal access to the services they are interested in and need, including those provided by YCS and other human service agencies.
· Parents are the most knowledgeable persons about their children and have the most continuing interest in, and influence on, their lives and should be supported in developing their children's abilities, advocating for their needs and planning for their future.