Iris Nieves-Cross, Youth Services Division Manager

2 HOLCOMB STREET , 5^th FLOOR

HARTFORD, CT 06112

(860) 543-8875  

Positive youth development, teen pregnancy and delinquency prevention programs are the hallmark of our City’s Youth Services Bureau in the Department of Health and Human Services. Collaborating with dedicated and professional service agencies, we look to expand and develop, through grants and funding, a vision to act collectively; building a safe and nurturing environment in Hartford. Our focus is on the social and academic development of youth.

Hartford Youth Service Bureau: The role of the youth service bureau is to serve as an advocate for youth and as the coordinating unit of community based services to provide comprehensive delivery of prevention, intervention, treatment and follow-up services for children and youth.

The Recreation and Youth Services Division works in partnerships with numerous community based organizations and agencies to develop a comprehensive system of positive services for Hartford’s youth.

The Division sub-contracts with Catholic Charities, Family Life Education Inc., Hispanic Health Council, Blue Hill Civic Association, Connecticut Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association, and Aspira of Connecticut.

Youth Services staff also network and coordinates services through and with the Hartford Public School System, the Mayor’s Office, Future Workforce Investment System (FWIS), Hartford Police Department, State of Connecticut’s Department of Education Youth Service Bureau, The Office of Policy and Management, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Hartford Action Plan on Infant Health, Capital Workforce Partners, Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative, Mi Casa Family Center, Southend Community Services, the Capital Area Substance Abuse Council, Connecticut Voices for Children, Organized Parents Make A Difference, Safe Schools & Communities Coalitions, Breaking the Cycle Campaign, Catholic Charities, neighborhood groups, community coalitions, churches and social service providers too numerous to mention.

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

HERO/SHERO are positive youth development programs for boys and girls ages 10-14. HERO/SHERO helps youth develop self-esteem, pride and responsibility for themselves and others. This is accomplished by utilizing a 12-session curriculum that incorporates the topics of peer pressure, decision-making, health issues, substance abuse, sex education, communication skills and violence prevention.

City of Hartford Youth Commission

Mission: The mission of the Hartford’s youth commissioners is to serve as a catalyst for youth across the city to make a difference through:

• The distribution of youth related information
• Advocating youth perspective to policy makers
• Advocating youth through the use of media

Who are The Hartford’s Youth Commissioners?

An Advisory body to the Mayor and City Council. The Hartford Youth Commissioners was established in 1972 to created opportunities for youth input and involvement in local government. The Commission is made up of 15 Hartford High School youth ages 14 -19 who are appointed by the Mayor. The Commission also host events, champions’ specific causes and help review policies related to youth. Each youth commissioner represents their high school and the city. They meet with the Mayor, City Council and others to advocate for Hartford youth and all youth related issues.

The Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month in city Hall, 550 Main Street at 6:00 p.m. All meetings are governed following the Roberts Rules of Orders. Youth Commissioners are appointed to two (2) year terms by the Mayor and serve on a volunteer basis. If you would like to join the Commission, vacancies are announced through the school bulletins.

Join the Hartford Youth Commission and become a City Leader!

• Access your Mayor, City Council, and community leaders

• Receive leadership and teamwork training

• Improve and master public speaking

• Tackle local issues important to you and your friends

• Get your thoughts heard

Powers:

• Represent young people in Hartford

• Meet with the Mayor, City Council and community leaders about pressing youth issues

• Serve as a spokesperson for students at your school/neighborhood

• Bring forth new ideas, suggestions and ways to improve Hartford

Responsibilities:

• Direct and support projects initiated by the Youth Commission

• Attend Youth Commission meetings held each month and actively participate in Youth Commission projects and activities

• Network with other Hartford teens, teen organizations, groups and clubs

Requirements:

• Hartford resident-attending one of Hartford High Schools

• Be between the ages of 14-19

• Submit a complete application

• Complete an interview

• Attend meetings and events

For more information please call 860-543-8875.

Hartford Youth Commission

Youth Commission Application

Board Commissions Application

The Hispanic Health Council/Youth Center Recreation Club conducts programs to promote positive youth development for youth through provision of weekly activities. This is accomplished by providing a safe and supervised environment. Through Arts, Music and “The Getting to know your city Project where middle school youth will learn about Hartford history, civics, architecture, and photography by utilizing landmarks and monuments. This multi-sensory approach will offer youth the opportunity to learn the history of Hartford through its landmarks and architecture.

Blue Hills Civic Association conducts a summer basketball program for 150 to 200 boys and girls who are at year-end in grades four through eight in Blue Hills area schools, providing them training in “Life skills” sportsmanship, drug and alcohol avoidance, persistence in schooling as well as training in basketball skills.

Family Life Education, Inc. Back on Track is an after school program visual arts, history and entrepreneurship program. Engaging youth’s interest in positive constructive activities serves to build and sustain academic achievement and social success while cultivating a sense of individual and community pride within the participants. The program meets once a week for a total of two hours each week during the school year for youth age nine to thirteen. Participants are recruited from within the Hartford Public School system in collaboration with teachers, counselor and social workers. Participants are also recruited through referrals from social services agencies,  youth groups and recreational centers. 

Connecticut Coalition of Mutual Assistance                        Soccer Team for Refugee Children to provide positive youth development programming by giving them a healthy outlet. Conduct rap sessions between parents and youth after each game. To teach them about the negative of sex, drugs, alcohol, gangs.  To give the parents of these refugee youth an opportunity to get involved with their children in a joint project.

Aspira After School Club Program for middle and high school youth that meets two times a week during the school year at Bulkeley High School and Quirk Middle School. Youth participate in activities that promote leadership and positive self-esteem and leadership skills. Increase the rate of high school graduation and the pursuit of a secondary education. Provide positive, safe and healthy after-school activities as alternatives to gangs, drugs and violence. 

The Entrepreneurial Seminar for High School Students is an interactive, experience-based after-school program, specially designed for high school juniors and seniors.  There are nine weekly after-school classroom sessions.  The culminating event is an evening Business Fair between sessions eight and nine, at which the students showcase and sell their products. This is not a typical “how to start” a business course.  Rather, this Seminar focuses on key practices that must be mastered to be a successful entrepreneur or employee.

DELINQUENCY PREVENTION

Hartford Street Youth Project

Catholic Family Services/Hartford Street Youth Project is dedicated to the promotion of health, adolescent development and the prevention of youth violence by helping youth ages 8-18 who are considered to be at high risk to engage in positive educational, recreational and social management services, psycho educational groups, violence prevention workshops, peer leadership, case management, structured recreation, family empowerment programs and summer camp activities.

Juvenile Review Board  is a community based diversionary and preventive program, which acts as an advisory board to the Hartford Police Department, Hartford Schools and the Community of cases involving families with service needs, Police and Juvenile contact, for children who are resident of Hartford between the ages of eight and fifteen, The Review Board is to provide appropriate intervention recommendations to supportively and forcefully assist first time youthful offender to avoid further involvement with the judicial system or future delinquent behavior. 

TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION

Adolescent Parenting and Development Program is an initiative to prevent subsequent pregnancies using a case management approach for first and second time young parents, 23 and under who are residents of Hartford. The purpose is to help each young parent realize that she is the most important influence person in their children’s lives.  Participants meet with staff to discuss and review progress.

Services Offered:

• Home visits
• Parenting skills and family planning
• Minimizing risk of additional unwanted pregnancies
• Assist each participant in making better life choices
• Employment preparation and tutoring
• Individualized care and help
• Advocacy and follow-ups
• Nutrition education

The Adolescent Parenting and Development Program (APDP) provide practical assistance and social support for Hartford’s young parents.  Family involvement is encouraged. Case Managers services are aimed at addressing the needs of parents to assist them in raising a family and becoming economically independent

Project Yes

The Family Life Education/Project YES (Youth Educating for Success) program is a collaborative effort of Family Life Education, the City of Hartford’s Recreation and Youth Services Division and Breaking the Cycle on Teen Pregnancy Campaign to reduce teen pregnancy in Hartford.  Adult and youth community educator teams are trained to carry the pregnancy prevention and healthy youth development messages to the Hartford community through group discussions and skits on family communication and sexuality.

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Website Contact: mailto:nieves@hartford.gov