Our Vision Statement
To Be Recognized as the Premier Provider of a Continuum of Child-Centered and Family-Focused Services
Our Mission Statement
The Mission of the Carolina Youth Development Center is to assist children in reaching their full potential as healthy and well-adjusted individuals by delivering a continuum of prevention, assessment, intervention, and treatment services.
CYDC has been caring for children since 1790, serving the Lowcountry and coastal South Carolina.
Our Purpose
To provide a continuum of quality, culturally sensitive, child-centered and family-focused programming designed to meet the needs of children and their families experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect or emotional disturbances.
To protect the welfare and improve the lives of children and their families through the provision of appropriate assessments, treatment and shelter services which promote the six dimensions of wellness: Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, Social, Spiritual and Vocational.
To make a positive difference in the lives of children through mentoring relationships assisting them to achieve their highest potential as they grow to become confident, caring and competent individuals.
To strengthen, preserve and reunify families, where appropriate, with the goal of returning children entrusted in our care to secure, supportive and nurturing home environments.
To strengthen the connection of children to the community by maximizing their living skills in preparation for transition into independent living, so that they become productive members of society.
To actively collaborate with other child caring agencies and organizations to advocate and coordinate services to ensure that children and families are appropriately connected and supported in the community.
To actively collaborate with the educational system in providing related counseling and support services to children experiencing emotional disturbances and behavioral disorders, to assist in their transition to a less-restrictive educational setting.
To provide a stimulating environment for training, education and research supporting skill development for students, interns and professionals in delivering therapeutic services to at-risk children and their families in a competent and compassionate manner.
Our Values
In accordance with our Mission and Vision, we believe that every child deserves love, respect and a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
We strive to create the opportunities that will encourage children to achieve their full potential.
We strive to connect each child to a sense of family.
We strive to connect each child to a sense of community.
We strive to support families when the stresses of life become problems.
We believe that our volunteers and employees are our strength.
We strive to improve ourselves and our programs while developing hope and promoting creativity.
We promote the value of diversity and cultural competency within our staff, clients and community.
We are an innovative and flexible organization that is responsive to the needs of clients, families and staff.
We strive to partner with other agencies, organizations and donors to effectively use resources to plan and provide services that meet the needs of the children and families within our community.
We believe that strategic planning is key to ensuring our financial strength and continuing the success of our organization.