Pressley Ridge International
Mission
Pressley Ridge International (PRI) is the organization's international training, consultation, and service development division. PRI's mission is to increase the competence of individuals and the capacity of organizations around the world to strengthen families and improve the quality of life for children. By establishing culturally responsive service centers in participating countries, PRI will provide:
- Training and support for local professionals in alternative service models adaptable to the needs of democratic societies in transition,
- Consultation and applied research aimed at improving the effectiveness of governmental systems of care, and
- High quality, strength-based social services for troubled children and families.
Vision
Our vision is to serve as a catalyst for quality, strength-based care for troubled children, youth, and their families all around the world through a transferable Pressley Ridge model that includes treatment philosophies, values, methods, management system and evaluation. By way of building on the existing Pressley Ridge human capital in select countries (created by Pittsburgh International Children and Families Institute, PICFI), PRI will establish presence in a number of regions on a continuum from training and consultation services to actual model services. Currently we have an operating site in Portugal and are focusing our efforts on developing a center in Hungary that will serve the countries of the Central and East European region.
Business Approach
PRI takes a deliberate approach to establishing a presence in selected countries and regions.
Pressley Ridge has expertise and successes in dealing with and treating troubled and troubling children, as well as in management practices. However, what we have to offer must be in accordance with local needs and receptivity. Thus, the first step in our approach to international activities is always assessing the existing conditions in a country and the interest of local organizations. We usually start with "telling our story", that leads to in-depth training and consultation on treatment philosophy, clinical interventions, methods and techniques as well as leadership/management issues. Once a critical mass of professionals becomes familiar with the Pressley Ridge model, we move on to starting direct services. Outcomes evaluation and research are an integral part of our approach and included in the process as early as possible.
PRI works with various in-country partners depending on local realities. Our partners consist of non-governmental, non-profit organizations (NGOs), different levels of government and their agencies, the local and international charitable community including corporate and private donors.