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The Pledge
Take the BEST CARE pledge to deliver excellent mental health treatment to the young people in your care.
Your commitment to being a BEST CARE program ensures families have top-notch treatment options for their children.
To work only with clients and families whose needs are within the scope of our staff’s expertise.
To utilize evidence based treatment modalities.
To ensure, when transport is necessary, our families use a transport company that is trauma-informed and responsive, with proper training and supervision for their transports.
Never to use punitive, coercive tactics to change our clients’ behaviors.
To have a robust family component so children and teens, while living apart from family, are maintaining and strengthening family relationships.
To demonstrate a commitment to trauma informed care.
Never to provide compensation, either monetarily or through gifts in- kind for referrals to our program.
What does it all mean?
Here's why the BEST CARE pledge is so important:
Scope of Expertise
No one would expect an orthopedic surgeon to perform a tonsillectomy. It's equally inappropriate and dangerous to expect mental health professionals to undertake tasks beyond their specialized expertise.
In fact, the National Association of Social Workers, The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, The American Psychological Association and The American Counseling Association all require their members to practice within their scope of expertise.
Changing Behaviors
Coercion and punishment may produce short-term compliance, but they often fail to bring about lasting behavioral change.
In fact, they can lead to resentment, resistance, and even exacerbate the problematic behaviors they aim to address. BEST CARE programs foster an environment of respect and dignity and don't use negative tactics.
Family Involvement
Involving family in a child's treatment while in residential care increases the likelihood of sustained recovery for adolescents. By addressing family dynamics and providing ongoing support, residential treatment centers can help families develop the skills and resources needed to navigate challenges and maintain progress over time when their child is back home.
Source: Waldron, H. B., & Kaminer, Y. (2004). On the learning curve: The emerging evidence supporting cognitive-behavioral therapies for adolescent substance abuse. Addiction, 99(Suppl 2), 93-105. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00930.x]
Evidence-Based Treatment
Evidence-based practices have been rigorously evaluated through research studies and clinical trials. Using EBPs means effectiveness in improving outcomes for individuals receiving treatment has been demonstrated.
Trauma-Informed Care
Creating safe and supportive environments where individuals feel respected, validated, and empowered is BEST CARE.
Prioritizing understanding the effects of trauma on individuals' physical, emotional, and social well-being is BEST CARE.
Emphasizes collaboration, trust-building, and empowerment in therapeutic relationships is BEST CARE.
Trauma-informed care aims to minimize the risk of re-traumatization and promote healing, resilience, and recovery for young people in residential treatment.
Ethical Referral Practices
Giving kickbacks for mental health referrals is unethical, illegal, and detrimental to patient care, provider integrity, and the mental healthcare system as a whole. It is essential for healthcare providers to uphold ethical standards and prioritize patient well-being over financial incentives.
Respectful and Compassionate Transport
When a young person is being taken to a treatment program by transporters, it's essential that these professionals are trained to engage with the child or teen in a manner that is both respectful and compassionate. The journey to the program can and should serve as the initial step in the healing process.
Steps to becoming a Best Care Program
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Review the Best Care Pledge
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Commit to ensuring your program follows the 7 BestCare tenets.
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Click "Take the Pledge"
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Sign the Pledge and add your program to the online BestCare directory.
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Check your email for a copy of the BestCare seal to add to your program's website.
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Spread the word! Use the press release in the email to let everyone know you are a BestCare program, committed to ethics and delivering excellence in residential treatment.
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Purchase your BestCare plaque to proudly display in your program.
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Rest assured, B.E.S.T.C.A.R.E. Programs, LLC receives no compensation, financial incentives, or kickbacks for listings in our online directory, pledges, plaques, or any other form of recognition.
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