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Youth Service Bureau

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Youth Service Bureau (YSB) Grant Program is to assist municipalities and private youth-serving organizations designated to act as agents for municipalities in establishing, maintaining or expanding such YSBs. Under the program DCF provides cost-sharing grants to eligible YSBs, grant management services, program monitoring, program evaluation and technical assistance.

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Overview YSB Laws and Regulations Applying for State Funding Program Information Juvenile Review Boards (JRBs) Reporting Contacts

Overview

Local communities began to develop YSBs in the 1960’s as a response to a growing number of issues affecting youth. The role of the YSBs has been expanded to include both advocacy and coordination of a comprehensive service delivery system for youth. YSBs are organized to provide:

Administrative services, including an assessment of youth needs and the coordination of services for youth. Administrative core unit functions include:
- general administration
- research
- resource development
- community involvement
- youth advocacy
Direct services for youth that may include:
- recreational activities
- individual and group counseling
- parent training and family therapy
- work placement and employment counseling
- alternative and special educational opportunities
- outreach programs
- teen pregnancy services
- suspension/expulsion services
- diversion from juvenile justice services
- preventive programs including youth pregnancy, youth suicide, violence, alcohol and drug use
- programs that develop positive youth involvement

Additionally, each YSB is required to have an advisory board responsible for making recommendations on overall policy and program direction of the YSB.