GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE BODEGA MODEL

Focus on family, broadly defined

A participant's "family" includes friends, neighbors, and godparents as well as blood relatives. Families and communities provide the resources and structure for long-term success.

Work from strengths and supports

Every person has competencies and dreams; every family has inherent strengths and capabilities; every community is an oasis of resources. Government and service providers can step out of the role of "expert" so that people involved with the justice system can share responsibility with their families.

Progress depends on creative partnerships

Family members, government, and communities can see and tap each other's strengths to support collaboration toward their shared goals: supporting participants in staying out of jail or prison, promoting public and private safety, and building a healthy, productive life in the community for themselves and their families.

Prevent duplication of services

The family case management team coordinates internally and with other organizations to prevent duplication of services. On a larger level, this principle also speaks to the importance of service coordination among government and community organizations. If money is not spent on multiple organizations to provide similar interventions, financial and service efficiencies can be created.