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: Ckeesey@choyork.org

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:

Too Good for Drugs promotes drug prevention by teaching life skills to youth to make positive choices using a variety of strategies.

Program Curriculum

Too Good for Drugs is a FREE program offered to schools (kindergarten through high school) in York County and taught by trained educators from Children’s Home of York.

The classroom program runs for ten weeks – each lesson is approximately 45 minutes to one hour. The curriculum is evidence-based and teaches drug prevention strategies and life skills such as:

• goal setting
• decision making
• identifying and managing emotions
• communicating effectively
• managing mistakes and disappointment
• resisting peer pressure
• understanding peer influence
• making healthy choices

Additional strategies and skills are taught using interactive lessons and activities.

Elementary School

Too Good for Drugs grades K-5 program 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 set daily goals, identify emotions and feelings, and make healthy choices that contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Middle School

Too Good for Drugs grades 6-8 program empowers teens to meet the challenges of middle school life and prepares them for high school by addressing more complex emotions and situations. Lessons build confidence and a resistance to substance abuse through goal setting and achievement.

High School

Too Good for Drugs grades 9-12 program incorporates real-world challenges teens face in high school and beyond. The program explores practical guidance for understanding:

• dating and relationships
• violence and conflict
• underage drinking
• substance abuse
• healthy friendships

Lessons further enhance skills for:

• responsible decision-making
• communication
• media literacy
• conflict resolution

Too Good for Drugs gives kids the confidence and skills they need to grow into happy, healthy adults.

YOU are TOO GOOD for drugs!

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

Cecilia Keesey
Director of Programs at Children’s Home of York
717-755-1033 ext. 1257
ckeesey@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.