About HFAA

HFAA is the Hawaii state chapter of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (To visit their website click the following link - http://www.ffcmh.org ), a National organization that has been at the forefront in effectively advocating for service system change so that families are valued and treated as true partners.

HFAA Staff

Meet our Staff! Click this link to find out more information on the HFAA Staff.

CASSP Principles (Child and Adolescent Service System Program)

CAMHD makes sure that the State of Hawaii Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) Principles are followed. Parents were involved with developing these principles. Each principle is explained and the original wording is written below in italics.

1. Services will be child and family-centered and take into consideration the culture of the child and family
• The system of care will be child and family centered and culturally sensitive, with the needs of the child and family determining the types and mix of services provided.


2. Services will address different things that each child needs. This includes health, feelings, school, recreation, and each stage of growing up.
• Access will be to a comprehensive array of services that addresses the child’s physical, emotional, educational, recreational, and developmental needs.


3. Keeping the family together and strong is the focus of services. Taking care of health and emotions is also the focus.
• Family preservation and strengthening along with the promotion of physical and emotional well being shall be the primary focus of the system of care.
  
4. Services can take place in the home or where the child and family feel most comfortable. This will be done in a way that matches what the child and family needs.
• Services will be provided within the lease restrictive, most natural environment that is appropriate to individual needs.


5. There are times when a child needs to receive services away from his or her home. All other choices will be considered and tried before a child receives services away from home. Services will work toward the child returning home or other permanent place.
• Services which require the removal of the child from his/her home will be considered only when all other options have been exhausted, and services aimed at returning the child to his/her family or other permanent placement are an integral consideration at the time of removal.


6. Services will be matched and delivered in a helping manner in view of the child’s changing needs. Care will be taken to make sure everyone works together.
• The system of care will include effective mechanisms to ensure that services are delivered in a coordinated and therapeutic manner, and that each child can move throughout the system in accordance with his/her changing needs, regardless of points of entry.


7. Families or caregivers are full partners in making plans and helping with the treatment process.
• Families or surrogate families will be full participants in all aspects of the planning and delivery of services.


8. Helping a child as soon as their problems are seen is important. Problems with friends and families, feelings, and school should be taken care of early to prevent the child from needing more serious services later.
• Early identification of social, emotional, physical, and educational needs will be promoted in order to enhance the likelihood of successful early interventions and lessen the need for more intensive and restrictive services.


9. The rights of children will be protected. Speaking for the rights of children will be promoted.
• The rights of children will be protected and effective advocacy efforts for children will be promoted.

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