Therapeutic Mentoring Services for Youth
Youth services at F&CS include two Therapeutic Mentoring programs: While eligibility requirements and staffing vary between the programs, full time caseworkers and human services undergraduate and graduate interns work together to provide therapeutic family mentoring activities, recreation and social skill development, case management, and advocacy for youth and their families in Tompkins County.Therapeutic Mentoring Services within both programs include:
Individual and Family Goal Planning
Youth Services staff partner with youth and their parents in goal-setting and subsequent updates (90 days and 6 months). The goals and language used in these plans are agreed upon by all parties.Advocacy
Therapeutic Mentoring assists families in navigating the many social service systems they and their children use. This could mean attending an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting at school or going to Family Court for a PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) violation. Family caseworkers help parents’ and youth’s voices be heard in sometimes overwhelming circumstances.Case Management
Working with families, we help identify needs and help families connect to other agencies that provide services, such as individual or family therapy, domestic violence counseling, anger management classes, parenting classes, respite services, job skills and training.Mentoring and Parent Guidance
Central to our effectiveness is the relationship we build with both the youth and his or her family. Time is spent to develop a trusting relationship in order to empower youth and their families to make better and healthier choices.Youth Development
Participation in healthy and productive recreation and other activities allow youth outlets for positive interactions and skill development. Activities include:-
Community Service Projects
-
Outdoor Activities: apple picking, fishing, games and sports
-
Work Exploration Projects
-
Bowling at Helen Newman Lanes at Cornell
-
Trips to the YMCA and Science Center
