Good Shepherd Values
In respect of the heritage of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd values are the foundation of Rosemont's treatment philosophy.  The Good Shepherd values are based on the value and uniqueness of every individual, regardless of their heritage, beliefs, or behavior.  The Good Shepherd values require that we treat everyone with respect and dignity and the belief that no one is disposable.  Youth and families do not learn to be respectful unless they are treated with respect.

Family Systems Theory
Rosemont considers the problems that youth experience in the context of the larger family.  The problems and symptoms they present are seen as unsuccessful attempts to solve a problem.  Regardless of how hurtful, self-defeating or disrespectful the behavior may be, the belief is that the youth is motivated by benevolence – that is their goal is to be helpful.  Finding a benevolent intent to their behavior helps youth begin to see themselves from a different perspective – they move from being the problem to someone who can create solutions.

Resilience
Youth can recover from difficult and painful life experiences due to their resilience.  Internal and external assets can be discovered, strengthened and utilized by youth and families to move beyond the past and be better equipped to successfully meet life's challenges.

Competency Based Approach
More can be achieved by youth and families by focusing on their strengths, health, and capabilities rather than repeatedly reminding them of past failures.  The competency based approach focuses on what youth and families do right vs. what they do wrong.  As the youth and family discover and increase their competencies, the problems and symptoms decrease proportionately.

Group & Positive, Caring Culture
Peer groups are important in influencing self-perception and behavioral choice.  The focus at Rosemont is to use the peer group in a manner that reinforces adult and societal expectations.  Youth are encouraged to help each other be successful rather than encourage negative, acting-out behaviors. 

Brief Solution-Oriented Approach           
Focusing on solutions rather than problems creates hope and the belief that things can be different.  Families often develop patterns of behavior that are self-defeating, ineffective, and counter-productive.  Continued focus on the problems maintains the pattern.  Focus on solutions changes the family focus and empowers them to change.  The goal is to bring about the smallest change necessary for the family to experience success.  Once they experience even the smallest change, they begin to see that bigger change is possible.

Trauma Informed Care
Research has demonstrated that individuals who have experienced repeated and persistent trauma during the first few years of their lives develop brain responses and nervous system responses that are hyper-vigilant.  Their response to seemingly small problems is to fight, flee, or freeze.  The good news is that our brains have plasticity and prefer more positive pathways.  Rosemont's programs help establish more positive pathways through consistency, predictability, anticipating consequences, and understanding the physiological component of behavioral health.

Response Ability Pathways (RAP)
The model is closely related to resilience theory.  The focus is on four bonds that help restore respect for oneself and others:  Generosity, Belonging, Mastery, and Independence. 

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
TCI is a best practice model for verbal de-escalation when youth are at risk of hurting themselves or others through aggressive or self-hurtful behaviors.  The TCI certification, which is mandatory for all direct care staff members at Rosemont, also includes experiential training, practice and application of physical intervention techniques that may be necessary to maintain safety.  The physical interventions are designed to minimize injury to the youth and staff members when the youth's behavior has become a danger to self or others. 

Life Space Crisis Intervention
The Life Space Intervention uses the problems that youth present as opportunities to provide counseling interventions.  The LSI model uses many of the verbal therapeutic techniques associated with talk therapy sessions, but applies these techniques in the life space of the child rather than behind closed doors.  The LSI model uses behavioral problems as the opportunity to help the youth connect their behaviors to their thoughts and feelings at the moment the problem occurs.