Stepping Stones Agencies does not tolerate family/relationship abuse in any form.
We believe that the function of the family system is indicative of the health
of our communities and to that end, we are committed to responding to women
and children who need a therapeutic and advocacy response due to family violence,
sexual assault, homelessness, neglect or exploitation.

Truly impacting and breaking the cycle of abuse and victimization in any form requires
that we focus on protecting our youth from ALL types of abuse/neglect that may be directly
or indirectly confronting them.  We strongly support a Bill of Rights for children, which provides for their safety and security as primary.

We view children in a family where there is abuse or neglect in any form, as PRIMARY victims, even though the children may not be directly physically or sexually assaulted. 
The welfare of child victims will take precedence over all other responses. 

Because we will not compromise our commitment to children as
PRIMARY victims, adult victims and offenders will be held accountable in
areas that affect the welfare of children involved.

We will strive to empower adult and child victims by providing unconditional,
non-judgmental, supportive and therapeutic responses.  These responses will be rigorously truthful, however difficult, so that adult victims can have all information necessary to make healthy choices and truly make significant changes in their lives and the lives of their children.

We acknowledge that cultural differences exist and can result in vastly different expectations regarding the nature of quality care and the elements of safety, well-being & self-sufficiency.  We make every effort to be aware of cultural diversity and to provide services that recognize, respect and incorporate that into all our programs and services.

Services will be provided in a culturally relevant manner whenever possible.  Our materials
will be developed in both English & Spanish.  We will have bi-lingual staff available as often as possible. We will utilize community linkages when necessary to assist in this commitment to serve.  All staff will be trained in cultural sensitivity issues as they relate to those we serve.

We will coordinate community services in order to fully utilize a
true multi-disciplinary approach in addressing the very diverse yet
specific needs of adult and child victims in our programs

If a physical, mental or emotional impairment is identified in an adult or child victim
in our program, linkages to necessary services addressing the duality of issues will be developed in order to assure all needs of adult or child victims are being met. 
We firmly believe this is necessary in order to insure a complete plan of service is
developed and will optimize intervention efforts, prevention of further victimization,
and truly begin their journey of personal growth and development. 

Because of the dynamics of family violence/abuse in all forms, we acknowledge
that adult victims have extensive rights to protection under the law and these rights
will be vigilantly upheld.  At the same time we will encourage and expect victims to
take appropriate responsibility to protect themselves and their children from further abuse.  We will examine with them ways that they are able to do this and
we will expect them to take action wherever capable. 

We believe that true empowerment comes from knowing the difference
between what you have control over and what you don’t; letting go of
those things you truly don’t have control over and focusing your energy
and attention to the things that you are capable of impacting. 
This philosophy is an integral part of service planning &
advocating with the women and children we serve.