These resources provide guidance on critical elements and standards for providing services to youth.
Guidelines for Best Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (PDF - 689 KB)
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (2001)
Discusses many of the clinical challenges that Pennsylvania Child and Adolescent Service System Program practitioners regularly face and offers a set of qualitative standards.
NASW Standards for the Practice of Social Work With Adolescents (PDF - 76 KB)
National Association of Social Workers (2003)
Presents the NASW's standards for the practice of social work with adolescents, among which are knowledge of adolescent development and needs; assessment; cultural competence; ability to build self-empowerment in adolescents; multidisciplinary case consultation; confidentiality; advocacy; and policies for effective practice.
Standards for Youth Support Services and Agreements (PDF - 471 KB)
British Columbia Ministry for Children and Families (2004)
Describes standards for promoting consistent high-quality service to vulnerable youth that includes assessments for and provision of short- and long-term support.