In addition to respect for all human rights prescribed by law, the following should be considered to be the expectations of this Agency in regards to our professional interaction with the youth we serve.
We recognize that every officer, staff member, employee, and contracted provider has an obligation to serve as a role model to youth by his or her deportment and conduct. Having an obligation to show youth the way we would like them to behave, we must in turn model this behavior. This means that:
We will, at all times, use appropriate language when speaking to or in the presence of youth.
We will always strive to speak in a calm and respectful tone towards and around youth.
We will never be deliberately confrontational with youth, unless warranted therapeutically or programmatically.
We will always use appropriate counseling and intervention techniques before resorting to physical force. Physical force (as defined in PAR) shall always be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted and safety is compromised.
We will not make threatening statements to youth. We will explain options, alternatives, and consequences in a calm and professional manner. We will always strive to encourage positive and compliant behavior.
Staff should help youth learn to make proper decisions for themselves.
We will always strive to be respectful and courteous to fellow employees and towards youth in our care, even when we are faced with disrespectful conduct.
We will always provide for their basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, medical care and security. We will not, through inaction or inattention, allow these needs to remain unmet.
Anthony J. Schembri
Secretary
