Youth Services
51 High Street
Bristol, CT  06010

Eileen McNulty, MSW - Director    (860) 314-4690

Our Mission | Services | Project Aware | Pine Lake C.C. | Yellow Ribbon

Bristol Youth Services is a community-based social service agency caring for the well-being of the City's youth. Its role is to advocate for resources and provide services aimed at strengthening the healthy functioning of families and provide opportunities for all youth to function as responsible members of the community. Programs and services strive to be culturally competent, accessible and economical.

Bristol Youth Services is a member of the Connecticut Youth Service Association which is charged with centrally coordinating the comprehensive delivery of services and advocacy for youth and their families.  Youth Services strives to enhance the networking and support between family, school, peer and community environments.  Programs assist youth in the development of their desires, skills, talents, and goals and view children as valued and contributing members of the community.  Center-based activities and outreach activities to schools and neighborhoods cultivate young people's a sense of responsibility, self-worth and encourage community service.

The Department holds a commitment to protecting young people from becoming victims of inequity and ameliorating conditions leading to teenage pregnancy, pregnancy, substance abuse, peer violence, cultural intolerance, anti-social or self-destructive behavior, suicidality, and neglect or abuse.  Services offer opportunities to resolve situations influencing youth's behaviors thereby diverting juveniles from involvement with the justice system.

Two primary service areas, the Administrative Core Unit and Direct Service Unit, characterize the Youth Service Bureau.

Direct Services

•     Information and Referral      
•     Service Coordination and Advocacy
•     Family Service Needs Assessment
•     Crisis Support and Case Management
•     Individual & Family Counseling
•     Youth Employment Training
•     Outreach Support Services
•     Positive Youth Development Groups
•     Adventure & Experiential Education
•     Recreational / Cultural Enrichment Programs

Administrative Services

• Community Needs Assessment
• Community Education & Involvement
• Resource and Program Development
• Advocacy

PROJECT AWARE

PROJECT AWARE is an annual competitive mini-grant project through which Bristol Youth Services funds public and private non-profit agencies to implement programs that are complementary to the mission and goals of Bristol Youth Services.  Fifteen to twenty (15-20) programs each year are designed to fill the gaps in services to promote the healthy functioning of youth and families.  Services range in scope and focus.  Positive youth development group programs are designed to build skills and competencies of young people, nurture the pursuit of their goals and aspirations, and strengthen family, peer, school and community connections.  Mental health services respond to youth and families who are experiencing emotional distress related to significant losses or trauma.  Child welfare programs assist and empower families to meet basic needs and maintain a supportive family environment.  Programs aims to reduce barriers to accessing services, such as:  financial hardship; lack of access to behavioral health providers; and lack of transportation.                          

Staff: Five full time employees: Director, Youth Advocate, Outreach Support Worker, Family Social Worker and Administrative Assistant. The Department is also staffed by part-time contractors and interns providing family therapy and social group work services. The City of Bristol also employs seasonal staff for the Pine Lake Challenge Course and adventure based programming, as well as staff for specialized grant projects.

GOVERNING BOARD OR COMMISSION: Bristol Youth Commission

Current Commission Members: Officer Tina Biello - Chairperson-Catherine Cassin, Vice Chairperson - Kristin Gienty, Secretary - Kimberly Carlelich, Tanya Ladesma, Joan Trafford, Evan Robidoux, Alexandra Acevedo, Barbara Callahan, Korin Gaity and Kenneth Cockayne – Council Liaison

Department Telephone (860) 314-4690      For Emegencies: Police (860) 584-3000

(860) 314-4690 Pine Lake Challenge Course

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