Definitions . . .

Professional – characterized by and in conformance with the technical and ethical standards of the human service professions, exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the provision of services

Caring – feeling and exhibiting concern and empathy for others, treating with dignity and respect

Preferred – being desired, high quality, valued above other services

Evidence-based – demonstrated to produce intended outcomes, proven effective beyond other alternatives

Integrity – steadfast adherence to an accepted moral code, being in accordance with the accepted principles that govern the conduct of a profession

Quality – superior in the measure of excellence

Accessible – within reach, easily approached, entered, obtained or engaged, easy to communicate with

Confidential – client information is made available among members of LifeSkills service team as required to assure high quality client services, otherwise, a release from the client or guardian is required

Advocate – active in supporting people served through legislative, community and company efforts to plead the cause of those we serve

Innovative – progressive and most current therapies, creative, leading the way to new and better services

Stability – strength to endure, quality services are always available

Reliability – proven ability to deliver the same high quality services to the many over the course of time

Self-determination - the ability of individuals to make the choices that allow them to exercise control over their own lives, to achieve the goals to which they aspire and to acquire the skills and resources necessary to participate fully and meaningfully in society

"Best Practices" - the use of state-of-the-art technology and flexible cutting-edge support services to assist an individual to achieve the personal outcomes that he or she has set for their self. Self-determination, currently seen as best practice, is a philosophy that seeks for the individual to be in control of supports and services, and be the deciding stakeholder in all matters.

Safety Net – the public safety net where individuals who do not have a payer source can receive behavioral health services, an interconnected community array of services and programs ensuring that individuals receive access to needed behavioral health care

Responsible Choices – choices made by individuals and their family members through proper guidance of service providers

Cost Effective – the client outcome or benefit is worth the cost to the public.

Accountable – being good stewards to the public—taxpayers.