A basic FPS philosophy is embodied in the tenet that the family is the most powerful social institution that we have and should be supported and preserved when possible. This is best done in most cases by keeping the family together in the home. This commitment to the primacy of the home and family is reflected in the home-based programs and services offered, and the collaborative systems approach that uses both the internal family system and a community network. Through this collaborative approach, FPS is able to implement programs that focus on the family strengths instead of problems, which results in a decrease in the frequency and intensity of conflict between parents and children. FPS believes that a program of child-centered, family- focused, and community-oriented services can be developed and implemented so that most children can remain safely in their homes and community. With this mission set by the FPS, it has designed a comprehensive program network that includes the family, probation counselor, social worker, mental health counselor, school personnel, health professionals, volunteers, and FPS staff members. FPS programs include family-focused counseling and case management, mentor services, independent living skills, and aftercare (reconnections). Programs that require special preconditions for participation are chemical dependency counseling, adolescent sex offender treatment, and alternative nonresidential day treatment.