Prevention

Services

Strengthening Families 10-14 Program

Children’s Home Strengthening Families 10-14 Program is an effective, dynamic, family-focused prevention program that benefits all families who care for children age 10 to 14. Free to those who attend, this seven-week program teaches children and their families skills they need to be a stronger, more effective family. The program reinforces the importance of building positive relationships, setting appropriate limits and following through with consequences.

This program is sponsored by York County Office of Children, Youth and Family Services.

Session format

Families who enroll meet once a week (2 ½ hours) for seven consecutive weeks.
Meetings begin with a free family meal.
Parents and children break into separate work groups led by professionally trained and certified facilitators who present a variety of topics from a curriculum designed to give families the tools they need.
Free childcare is available for younger siblings in the program.
Awards and prizes are given for those who complete the program.

Admissions

Referrals to the Children’s Home of York’s Strengthening Families 10-14 Program can be made through a variety of sources:
Judges • Guidance Counselors • Case Managers • Juvenile Probation.

In addition, anyone from the general community who is interested in strengthening their parenting skills can call to register for the program.

As the program is already funded, there is no cost to those who refer or attend.

Families who care for children age 10 to 14 are welcome to participate in the Strengthening Families 10-14 Program.

Single and married parents
Blended Families
Grandparents, aunts and uncles
Guardians
Foster parents & those who provide kinship care

Please submit all questions and referrals to: Ajoy@choyork.org

Integrated Practice Team

What is IPT?

Children’s Home of York Integrated Practice Team (IPT) is a family centered, strength based, team approach of community partners aimed to develop a comprehensive action plan with the intent of keeping children at home, while maintaining the integrity of the family.

How does it work?

IPT joins families and community partners together to review innovative solutions for keeping children at home. During the meeting, a comprehensive, goal-driven family action plan will be created and signed by everyone present. An IPT team member will then follow up with the family for 90 days after the meeting for updates and completion.

Meetings last one hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at either 9 AM, 11 AM, or 1 PM. The 3 PM time slot is open for emergencies on those days. Emergency meetings can also occur on Friday anytime between 8 AM and 4 PM.

How to make a referral

Any York County Children, Youth and Families (CYF) case worker or worker from a referring agency can make a referral for any family at any stage of CYF involvement or with an imminent risk of CYF involvement. Referring agencies can include school districts, and other social service providers.

A complete referral form can be sent to: ipt@choyork.org or fax form to 717-755-9993

Download referral form

IPT partner agencies:

PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

Botvin LifeSkills Training

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is a research-validated substance abuse prevention program proven to reduce the risks of alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, and violence by targeting the major social and psychological factors that promote the initiation of substance use and other risky behaviors. This comprehensive and exciting program provides adolescents and young teens with the confidence and skills necessary to successfully handle challenging situations. Rather than merely teaching information about the dangers of drug abuse, Botvin LST promotes healthy alternatives to risky behavior through activities designed to:

● Teach students the necessary skills to resist social (peer) pressures

● Help students to develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence

● Enable students to effectively cope with anxiety

● Increase their knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance abuse

● Enhance cognitive and behavioral competency to reduce and prevent a variety of health risk behaviors

Elementary School

The LST Elementary School program consists of 8 45-minute class sessions available to upper elementary students. It teaches the fundamental elements of social and emotional learning through developmentally appropriate activities that set the foundation for a healthy adolescence. Lessons build the skills kids need to make healthy choices that contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Middle School

The LST Middle School program is designed to empower teens to meet the challenges of middle school life. It is taught in sequence over three years in either middle or junior high school. The first year of the program has 15 45-minute class sessions, the second year contains 10 sessions, and the third year consists of 5 sessions.

High School

The LST High School program incorporates real-world challenges teens face in high school and beyond to aid students in understanding substance abuse and social skills. It comprises 10 class sessions and is typically taught in one year in either grade 9 or 10.

For more information or to request a program for children in your school or community, please contact:

Anna Joy
Prevention Coordinator at Children’s Home of York
717-719-2394

ajoy@choyork.org

Children’s Home of York team members, including the educators in the Prevention Services Department, receive criminal background checks and are approved to work with children in the community and in school settings.