Accessible Services:
Services that are affordable, located nearby, and are open during evenings and weekends. Staff is sensitive to and incorporates individual and cultural values. Staff is also sensitive to barriers that may keep a person from getting help. For example, an adolescent may be more willing to attend a support group meeting in a church or club near home, rather than travel to a mental health center. An accessible service can handle consumer demand without placing people on a long waiting list.

Appropriate Services:
Designed to meet the specific needs of each individual child and family. For example, one family may need day treatment services while another family may need home-based services. Appropriate services for one child or family may not be appropriate for another family. Usually the most appropriate services are in the child's community.

Assessment:
A professional review of a child's and family's needs that is done when they first seek services from a caregiver. The assessment of the child includes a review of physical and mental health, intelligence, school performance, family situation, and behavior in the community. The assessment identifies the strengths of the child and family. Together, the caregiver and family decide what kind of treatment and supports, if any, are needed.