YouthLink’s Service Philosophy
YouthLink believes that youth and their families can achieve the best possible outcomes when programs and services are guided by the following values and approaches:
- Choice
We offer a range of services and options, including mental health, skill building, advocacy, prevention, educational supports, early intervention and intensive intervention/support services.
- Participation
Youth and their families can actively participate in the planning, decision making and evaluation of services provided.
- Community-based
We provide programs and services in the communities where are clients and their families live.
- Client-centred
Our services and supports are flexible, accessible, responsive and non-judgmental
- Culturally sensitive
We are sensitive to the race, culture, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability and religion of our clients.
- Intersectional
We understand that systemic factors like anti-Black racism, homophobia, gender discrimination and religious bias often play a part in our clients’ journey and are prepared to address these inequities in the services we provide.
- Strengths-based
We build on our clients’ strengths, gifts and expertise to help them achieve their goals and objectives.
- Trauma-informed
We recognize the relevance and impact of trauma on our clients and use a trauma-informed approach to support them.
- Collaborative
We work collaboratively with other community partners to develop resources and deliver services that respond to community trends and needs.
- Healing-centred
We believe that recovery, healing and well being are achievable.
Client Rights & Responsibilities
YouthLink believes that all young people have certain rights, and will work to ensure these rights are upheld in the programming and services that we deliver.
Young people & their families have the right to:
- Be treated with respect;
- Be free from discrimination on any grounds;
- Safety and freedom from violence;
- Be informed in language that they can understand of their rights, program expectations, rules, and changes that may affect their care;
- Give or refuse consent to service;
- Be affirmed and celebrated in their social and cultural identities (for example, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and ability);
- Express themselves, their feelings and opinions;
- Participate fully in planning and decisions that affect their care, to be consulted, and to be heard;
- Raise concerns and/or make complaints;
- Privacy and the expectation of confidentiality.
YouthLink believes that along with rights, young people also have responsibilities while engaged in programs & services. These include:
- Participate in the treatment process, including developing treatment goals;
- Provide staff with any information that may facilitate the treatment process;
- Attend scheduled appointments and meetings and notify appropriate persons if unable to do so;
- Meeting with and talking to your service provider and/or primary worker;
- Respect differences of culture, religion, and the unique needs of others including other young people, staff and volunteers;
- Respecting the rights, property, privacy and special needs of others, including other young people, staff and volunteers;
- Following the rules set out for your programs, services or the locations where services are provided.