Youth Services

The Meriden Youth Services Division is designated by the City of Meriden to provide for the planning, evaluation, coordination, and implementation of a coordinated network of resources and positive opportunities for all children and youth ages 0-18 and their families within the City of Meriden.  

New (April 9) - Click here YouthDirectoryPrintCopy2012.pdf for the new 2012 Youth Service Directory!

The Youth Services Division offers:

 Counseling and Support Services - Short-term counseling services to youth and families is offered in the home or office setting at no cost.

Case Management - Youth Services staff is available to coordinate comprehensive case service plans in cooperation with other social service agencies. This system offers support and advocacy as families access a variety of services available in Meriden.

Ongoing Programs:

  ACHIEVE (Adolescents Caring About Health, Image, Education, Volunteerism and Esteem) - an afterschool program for 8th and 9th grade students with the objective of helping them reach positive goals in family, education, and employment. Volunteer opportunities allow for career exploration, personal growth and life preparation.

The F.E.A.R. Program - Fire Educational Alternative Response - Designed for children who are involved in Fire Setting. Assessment, education, intervention, and referral are provided.

Campership - Over 300 partial scholarships for income eligible youth are provided in the summer to encourage camp attendance.  Youth enjoy up to two weeks at area camps.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention - The Youth Services Manager participates in a committee of community members and professionals whose goal it is to help youth avoid substance abuse.

Project Graduation - A drug free all night party is planned each year by Meriden parents for all graduating Meriden high school seniors.

Youth Employment - Income eligible youth are hired each summer to work up to 25 hours a week for 6 weeks at various nonprofit agencies in Meriden.

Youth Services Directory - A resource guide is available which details adolescent issues and identifies local resources.

Information and Referral - The Youth Services provides information and referral to the community on a variety of services available to youth, parents and professionals.

Crisis Intervention Program - Crisis Intervention Services within the Meriden Police Department and community are provided.  Assessment and referral is provided to families and individuals having a wide variety of social service needs. Educational lectures for schools and civic groups regarding social programs and services are available.  Referrals are received from police officers, superior court, DCF, schools and social service agencies.  Family mediation and school outreach is offered. 

Juvenile Assistance and Diversion Board - Youth age 15 or under who commit a first time offense are referred to the Youth Services Division by the Police Department with parent consent. Instead of juvenile court, youth come before a board of community members to admit guilt and accept consequences for the specific offense. Youth Service workers monitor the youth until the consequence is completed and the case is closed.

Community Service Opportunities for Youth - Community adults and youth are welcome to call the Youth Services Division for assistance in planning community service sites and hours for youth.

Speakers Bureau: Topics include:

Self-Esteem - Helps young people become aware of themselves, their likes and dislikes, and the unique qualities they possess.

Puberty - Helps young people understand the changes within their bodies and fosters a positive body image concept.

Decision Making - Provides the opportunity to practice decision making skills. Young people learn a systematic decision making process in order to help them make important decisions about their behaviors.

How to Get a Job - The program is designed to teach students appropriate job interviewing etiquette, job skills, and career planning.

Internet Safety - Keeping children safe as they surf the internet is discussed in a classroom or community setting for children or parents.

Anger Management - As it relates to managing school, family, or community conflicts.

Anti Bullying - Staff are trained to deliver the state curriculum to students, which offers many valuable activities.