"It Takes A Whole Village To Raise A Child."
The District Heights Family & Youth Services Center prides itself in creating programs that are beneficial to all participants. Programs are offered in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. We are constantly looking to create and implement new programs that pro-actively help our community prosper. The programs currently in place are include the Children In Need of Supervision Program (CINS), and the Visionary Youth Program.
Children In Need of Supervision Program (CINS)
The Children in Need of Supervision Program is a partnership between Prince George's County Department of Juvenile Services, located in Upper Marlboro and District Heights Family and Youth Services Center.
The goal of the CINS services are t o prevent pre-delinquent youth in Prince George's County from entering the Juvenile Justice System.
The CINS Program provides families with:
Children in need of supervision are defined as children or adolescents who exhibit acting out or pre-delinquent behaviors. Youth served may be male or female between the ages of 8 and 18.
CINS youth are often involved in status offenses, which are crimes that only pertain to juveniles, for example, curfew violations, underage drinking, or truancy. Ungovernable youth or frequent runaways also fall under this category. Youth who have been adjudicated or are on probation are not appropriate for the CINS Program.
Visionary Youth Program
Through support from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provided by Prince George's County Housing and Community Development Department, the District Heights Family and Youth Services Center offers the Visionary Youth program for at-risk youth. This program exists to ensure a successful academic and vocational future for our youth.The three specific objectives of this program are:
1) Establishing tutoring and academic enrichment programs for teens who may be struggling academically.
2) Implementing employment readiness projects so our youth can learn about potential career opportunities.
3) To expose our youth to the various college opportunities and options by hosting events such as a college fairs.
Specific facets of the Visionary Youth program include:
Entry Level Employment with the City of District Heights
Through funding each year the Family and Youth Services Center referrals youth ages 14 to 18 for part time employment with the City's Public Works Department. This opportunity is available various times during the year, such as during the spring and summer season.
In addition, during the school year the Family and Youth Services Center employs high school students to assist as tutors in the tutoring program. This opportunity is offered October - May.
In order to apply for one of the positions listed above the youth must be a current or previous client of the Center's, enrolled in school, submit and application and resume. Other conditions may be applied for specific employment opportunities.
Scholarship/Financial Aid Information
Throughout the school year, September through June, youth and parents can join our list serv to recieve monthly emails containing current information regarding financial aid and scholarship opportunities for college-bound youth.
Tutoring
The Family and Youth Services Center offers free weekly tutoring during the school year to youth in elementary and middle school. Adult volunteers are needed to help assist with this opportunity.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tours
Throughout the year the Family and Youth Services Center offers free college tours to local area Universities throughout Baltimore and Washington DC. Registration is necesary to participate and space is limited.
For more information about these services please contact
District Heights Family and Youth Services Center at: 301 -336-7600 or 301-952-5498
Annoucements regarding these services can also be found in the Herald.