Treatment Philosophy
The New Life Youth & Family
Services, as a Christian organization combines various treatment approaches into
an individual program for each young person and his/her family. New Life offers
a variety of intervention and treatment programs including Residential Treatment
Facility (RTF), Traditional Residential Program, Day Treatment/Alternative
Education Program and Community Based Prevention/ Aftercare Programs. Treatment
is individually focused and designed to meet the specific needs of each young
person in our care and is practiced with an understanding of the young person’s
family and home community. A multi-disciplinary team develops, implements and
evaluates clinical treatment and education for each young person we serve. This
intervention is active, directive and based on the assumption that all youths
have talents, strengths and the capacity to grow and learn in a positive way. In
addition, families are of critical importance to the success of treatment and,
as a result, the young person’s family is included as an essential part of all
decision-making and treatment planning. Particular emphasis in treatment is
placed on assisting and encouraging each young person to develop and grow in his
or her level of responsibility and accountability for their own behavior and
attitude. Based on the systems theory, and using elements of Cognitive Therapy,
Cognitive Reframing and Reality Therapy, professional staff consistently bring
to each young person's awareness his or her behavior that requires attention.
This is done through developing or strengthening more positive behaviors, or
through weakening or eliminating negative behaviors. Through these efforts and a
variety of other activities, team members are dedicated to helping young people
develop positive relationships, enhance their level of confidence, build
self-esteem and better control and manage their behavior. Lastly, New Life
Youth & Family Services strongly embrace the CASSP (Child Adolescent Service
System Program) and BARJ (Balanced and Restorative Justice) principles as
foundational in preparing all young people for safety, permanency and
well-being.