CONFIDENTIALITY

Youth Assistance contact with referral sources is limited to gathering general information and reporting on whether the youth is responding to services.  With parental permission, Youth Assistance staff can provide or obtain more detailed information.

ASSESSMENT

The Youth Assistance Caseworker initially meets with youth and their families to explore the issues responsible for the referral.  The caseworker may consult school personnel, review records, or talk with other professionals involved.  The assessment, which is crucial to developing an appropriate treatment plan, consists of:

  • The youth’s current behavior and early development
  • The family’s strengths and needs
  • Environmental factors

SHORT-TERM COUNSELING

Staff provide short-term counseling to young people and families in need of supportive counseling and behavior monitoring. When other services may be beyond the family’s resources.  Participating families may also choose to participate in Youth Assistance community programs, such as Family Education, Camp, and Recreation Programs.

REFERRAL TO OTHER SERVICES

In certain instances, the referral problem is a symptom of underlying difficulties of a more complex or long-term nature.  In such cases, Farmington Youth Assistance has contacts with an array of services in the surrounding community, and can facilitate a referral to an agency that can provide long-term care.

VOLUNTARY

Youth Assistance counseling and referral services are available to Farmington, Farmington Hills residents for a one-time $25 processing fee.  The participation of youth and their family is voluntary.  Parental permission is required.  Although the Court sponsors the program, there is no judicial or legal action.