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The program model will represent a bio-psycho-social perspective.

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The treatment approach will be holistic, integrating interventions designed to improve the client's functioning at home or in the community.

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The treatment approach will utilize educational and therapeutic interventions which will enhance the client's understanding of the impact of substance-abuse on their lives, and build practical life-skills which will diminish reliance on substances to meet developmental needs.

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Provide the least intrusive intervention necessary to facilitate growth and change.

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The delivery of services must respect client rights and demonstrate professional ethics.

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Youth engage in the change process, through the development of therapeutic 'helping' relationships with appropriate boundaries.

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Socially inappropriate behaviour in youth represents a dysfunctional but positive 'intent' to meet understandable needs in the context of their personal development and history.

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Change may occur when new skills and strategies are developed and employed to satisfy the 'intent' of dysfunctional behaviour and meet personal/developmental needs.

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Facilitating a change in the youth's environment to address identified needs will promote motivation in the youth for change.

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Services must represent accepted practices of intervention, while striving for innovation and creativity in their implementation.

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Services must be accessible to those in need, and programs must be flexible in service delivery to minimize any barriers to participation and success for those in need.