Mission and Philosophy
Guiding Principles & Values
Anika Youth Services will provide long-term housing support and outreach services for at risk youth with mental health barriers, behavioural issues, and complications with substance misuse. The purpose of Anika Youth Services is to create an individualized plan that will support the youth in becoming strong and independent individuals.
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We believe in respecting the dignity and diversity of our clients, staff and stakeholders
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We are committed to providing excellence in client services
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We believe that all people have the right to be included in decisions that affect them
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We believe in respecting all client rights and abiding by the AYS code of ethics
Our Mission
Our overall purpose is to provide long term support for vulnerable youth in order to increase stability. While creating a safe and encouraging relationship our focus includes;
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Connecting AYS youth with resources in their communities
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Reconnecting the youth with their families and healthy support networks
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Preparing the youth with the life skills necessary to transition into independence
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Providing opportunities for self-exploration and personal growth
Diversity
Creating a team that ensures a safe space for diversity, from different cultures and socio economic backgrounds and religions. This is to enhance our global diversity, teamwork, cultural competence & cooperation
Well-Being
Creating a balance for our employees through offering gym passes, hosting seminars for mental health, self-care as well as caregiver fatigues seminars.
Inclusion
Creating an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, dignity and respect that spans across all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and races
Accessibility
Recognizing that accessibility barriers may require different approaches and solutions. Regularly reviewing programs, environments, policies, and service practices to identify and address accessibility barriers. When a barrier is identified, work together with the youth and their care team to develop reasonable, person-centered strategies based on the youth’s individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.
Barriers
Youth have ongoing opportunities to identify concerns, request accommodations, and provide feedback about their services. Accessibility needs may also be identified through intake and admission planning, Individualized Service Plan (ISP) meetings, care-team meetings, house meetings, complaints and feedback, incident reviews, staff observations, health and safety inspections, and ongoing communication with youth and their support networks.
Continuous
Improvement
Accessibility is an ongoing responsibility and an integral part of the organization’s commitment to continuous quality improvement. Youth, staff, families, care teams, funding partners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to identify barriers, provide feedback, and recommend opportunities for improvement. Identified barriers and corrective actions are reviewed through ongoing program evaluation and quality improvement processes. Where recurring barriers or trends are identified, appropriate changes to policies, procedures, training, environments, communication practices, or service delivery will be considered.