History, Philosophy, & Mission
Our History
The Mayor & the Commissioners of the City of District Heights are guided by the principle, “Accountable to Our Residents and Committed to Our Youth”. They identified a need to serve youth in a community counseling setting and committed themselves to meeting that need.
In the Spring of 2004 the City of District Heights was awarded funding for the establishment of their own Youth Services Bureau to strengthen families & enhance family functioning. Since that time, the agency has remained community-based and prevention focused. Adjunct programming for youth and their families including tutoring, job preparation and parenting groups have been instituted. Youth Services Bureaus were started in the State of Maryland in 1971 and are certified by the Department of Juvenile Services.
Our Philosophy
The District Heights Family & Youth Services Bureau recognizes the family as the primary educator of children and seeks to support that role through providing effective parenting and family management skills as well as serving to build therapeutic relationships with youth through a variety of creative programs.
Our Mission
- To eliminate juvenile delinquency
- To eliminate truancy
- To reduce family disruptions
- To promote positive youth development
- To provide supportive services that honor the family and child
- To be available to the community as a vital resource