The Division of Youth Services believes that:

1. (1) Youth are best served in least-restrictive settings located close to home when appropriate evidence-based rehabilitative services are available, and removing youth from the home should be the option of last resort;
2. (2) Families, schools, law enforcement, and courts need a wide array of service options, including graduated sanctions outside the courtroom;
3. (3) Decision-making, programs, and services should be supported by data demonstrating their effectiveness in improving outcomes for youth and families;
4. (4) Effective community-based services can reduce the use of confinement and commitment to the division and result in significant fiscal savings in state revenue;

5. (5) Treatment and placement decisions should:

   1. (A) Be individualized and based on a comprehensive, standardized assessment; and
   2. (B) Actively involve youth and families in the planning processes;
6. (6) All youth in the division custody should be provided effective education and vocational training opportunities;
7. (7) Collaboration with local school districts is critical to successful prevention, aftercare, and re-entry for the division youth;
8. (8) Funding allocation across residential and community-based services must be rebalanced; and

9. (9) All children and youth in the state should have equal opportunities for services and success, without regard to:

   1. (A) Gender;
   2. (B) Race;
   3. (C) Ethnicity;
   4. (D) Disability;
   5. (E) Geographic location; or
   6. (F) Income level.