Innovative programs for children of all ages, delivering the help they need.
The young people of our community are the future of our society. Our goal as parents, educators, and social service providers is to help our youth grow into becoming strong, caring adults who will help make the community better for all. Achieving this goal has never been more challenging than it is today.
To help meet those challenges, we provide a range of youth programs, beginning in early childhood and continuing through high school.
The HK Coalition meets to share insights into everyday issues and challenges facing the community and to collaboratively develop plans, policies, and strategies to meet those challenges. Issues addressed include alcohol and drug abuse, vaping and marijuana use, and mental health needs and concerns.
The group includes parents and young people, as well as representatives from businesses, the media, law enforcement, schools, faith organizations, health care providers, youth-focused agencies, and town leadership. We welcome all residents willing to help build and better our community.
BECOME INVOLVEDPrevention programs promote “protective factors”—things in a child or teen’s environment that support their development toward becoming healthy adults. These factors include positive relationships with others, coupled with positive learning and growth opportunities. These impact the young person’s perspective and make them less likely to engage in risk-taking or risk-compromising behaviors.
Prevention work doesn’t happen in a silo. It’s the work of a whole community—parents, schools, and faith and civic leaders—all reinforcing the message to youth that they are seen, valued and heard.
2023 YOUTH SURVEY DATA RESULTSThese ninth-grade to twelfth-grade students take on the mission to make a difference to the overall health of the young people in Haddam, Killingworth, Higganum, and neighboring communities.
Ignite gives participants the opportunity to recognize needs and connect with other groups to promote positive mental health and to address issues, such as substance abuse. Ignite gives youth a platform to identify issues and take action to create positive change.
This is done through creating public service announcements, informative community events, community service and networking opportunities, and much more.
The Ignite Youth Group meets once or twice a month to plan, create, and, most important, have fun!
BECOME INVOLVEDThe HK Mentoring program is a partnership with RSD17 and HKYFS. This program connects children in our community with caring and supportive adult mentors. Through mentoring you will be a role model and provide support by listening, engaging, and forging new friendships. Mentors meet with a student for one hour a week at the student’s school.
To become an adult mentor, email Patty at mentoringprogram@hkyfs.org
To nominate your child to become a part of this program, contact your student’s principal.
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A Juvenile Review Board (JRB) is a community-based diversion process for youth that may otherwise be referred to the Juvenile Court for minor violations of the law. The Juvenile Review Board is a community-based program that provides a mediated process for youth that have committed a juvenile offense the opportunity to make things right with an alternative to Juvenile Court.
JRB members include town officials, police, active community members, representatives from public and private schools, local non-profit organizations, court support services, and youth and family services. The youth’s personal connections such as coaches, extended family members, pastors, etc. are welcome to join in order to help develop a plan collaboratively.
JRB proceedings are confidential.
BECOME INVOLVED
HKYFS Truancy Support: Providing an alternative to youth who are missing school and considered truant. Some cases are handled by HKYFS staff and others are brought to the Diversion Collaborative. Referrals come directly from schools, but families can self-refer as a potential solution and support for their child and family. All referrals start with a confidential and thorough family assessment designed to understand the family system and how HKYFS can help connect families with support services, as well as counseling and positive youth development programs.
During a Diversion Collaborative Youth members share their perspective of presenting issues and root causes. Collaborative members will prompt further explanation through dialogue and questions to make the best recommendations for youth and families. At the end of the meeting, families leave with a focused action plan, resources, and support to help them gain access to the help they need.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5PgrLur-Do
HKYFS Youth Diversion Collaborative Team Members Can Include:
CONTACT US
Education across all ages serves to inform individuals about risk factors and empower them to establish protective measures that combat those risks.
We are all in this together. No meaningful change is made without connections through open and honest conversations. We want the voices in our community to be heard, and people to feel safe and supported.
Ongoing commitment to our community to encourage sustained unity, understanding, and respect.
The Juvenile Review Board is a committee that has been formally designated to review juvenile court cases. The Juvenile Review Board is a community-based program that provides a mediated process for youth that have committed a juvenile offense the opportunity to make things right with an alternative to Juvenile Court.
