Our Guiding Principles

OVP FAMILY is guided by the principles of re-education established by Nicholas Hobbs, American psychologist, past president of the American Psychological Association, and author of the landmark book, “The Troubled and Troubling Child.”

We believe a treatment philosophy informed by the following 12 principles developed by Dr. Hobbs is key to turning around the lives of children in our care:

  • A child should know joy in each day.
  • Life is to be lived now.
  • Trust between child and adult is essential.
  • Competence makes a difference.
  • Time is an ally.
  • Self-control can be learned.
  • Intelligence can be taught.
  • Feelings should be nurtured.
  • The group is very important.
  • Ceremony and ritual give order.
  • The body is the armature of the self.
  • Communities are important.