Community Based Services

Specialized Services for Youth

Community Based Services (CBS) are delivered to children and adolescents who have experienced significant emotional problems which affect their functioning in the home, at school, or in the community and which might place youth at risk for out-of-home placement. These youth receive intensive mental health support services to maintain successful community living, focusing on developing their strengths and support systems in goal-focused work. Additional services focus on the early identification of serious emotional difficulties in preschool-aged children, and a parent support program.

Case managers assist each youth and his or her family members in obtaining access to needed medical, social, education and other services, typically meeting in the youth’s home or in a community setting.

Youth Psychosocial Programs include structured goal-directed interventions and activities based on the participants’ needs. Services are age-appropriate in order for youth to focus on the skills necessary at different life stages, and are intended to assist youth in daily problem solving, improve social skills and personal relationships, promote health and well-being, and provide training to support positive leisure time.

Occasional field trips and other outings provide opportunities for youth to practice their developing skills and problem-solving abilities. Positive behaviors and goal accomplishments are rewarded with special outings, parties and other rewards. Transportation to and from activity sites is provided by van drivers or other staff. Youth psychosocial programs are held at various times and frequencies within the youth’s normal daily environment, such as in a school or other community setting in order to provide minimal disruption of their daily schedule.