The philosophy of the Adirondack Youth Lodge is predicated on the following principles:
Seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth should be served in the least restrictive, most normative environment that is clinically appropriate.
Families should be supported in their efforts to continue and/or resume primary care of their disabled child by the provision of mental health education/information, skill development and empowering families to establish a natural/community support system.
Treatment for seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth should occur in a therapeutic milieu that includes structured daily living activities, the teaching of problem-solving skills, pro-social behaviors and provision of caring, consistent adult relationships.
The Adirondack Youth Lodge should be strongly networked with other local mental health services, including day treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, residential treatment facilities, outpatient clinics and other community based services provided under the county and voluntary sector auspices.
Children and youth with serious emotional illnesses should be served in a home-like atmosphere located within their community in order to provide a continuing linkage with family, peers and educational system.