How do your programs or services help the community?

Directions for Youth & Families staff work with families and young people to help them identify strengths and learn new skills that lead to healthier decision-making. With the ultimate goal to achieve success in their lives, families and youth work with staff to address many issues including violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and abuse. Directions programs are offered in homes, schools, and community centers.

We are a resiliency-oriented, trauma-informed agency. All programs are outcome oriented, have specific objectives, and are monitored for quality. Crisis support services are available for clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Directions for Youth & Families is licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.

Program Descriptions

Counseling and Clinical Services:

Directions for Youth & Families’ treatment programs provide counseling, community support, and clinical services to young people and adults both as individuals and as families. Through individual, family, and group sessions, issues including behavioral problems, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, aggressive behavior, juvenile crime, low self-esteem, and child abuse/neglect are addressed. Services are provided in homes, schools, community centers, and Directions offices.

Prevention and Education Services:

Directions for Youth & Families’ prevention and education services reach out to youth on the challenging social issues of pregnancy prevention, sexual abstinence, and building healthy relationships; improving conflict resolution skills and attitudes toward cultural diversity; and the prevention of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. Prevention education classes are held in schools and other community locations.

Parenting and Early Childhood Programs:

Directions for Youth & Families’ parenting and early childhood programs focus on improving parenting, communication, and decision-making skills in order to prevent child abuse/neglect and improve school readiness. Specialized services also help teen parents cope with the challenges of child-rearing. Services are provided in homes and other convenient locations in the community.

READY SET GROW:

Ready Set Grow is an in-home service that works to provide kindergarten readiness skills to families with children ages 3-6 (who are not yet enrolled in Kindergarten) identified to be at risk for not being ready to enter school. There are no fees for services. This program is offered to Franklin County families with children ages 3-6 (who are not yet enrolled in Kindergarten) identified to be at risk for not being ready to enter school

Youth Centers:

Community-based youth centers provide opportunities for young people to engage in after-school activities and enhance their personal growth and development. Programs emphasize the importance of abstaining from drugs and alcohol, violence, and delinquent behavior. Programs include performing and creative arts, physical fitness, homework assistance, computer education, and skill-building to help prepare youth for future academic or vocational success.