The Erie Department of Youth Services is a government agency dedicated to supporting the well-being, development, and success of youth and families across Erie County, New York. As part of the county’s government infrastructure, it plays a vital role in creating safe, supportive, and rehabilitative environments for at-risk youth. The department delivers a wide range of services including juvenile justice programming, preventive interventions, foster care oversight, and youth development initiatives. Its mission focuses on promoting positive change through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, all while ensuring that services are culturally responsive and equitable.

The department is actively engaged in reducing youth involvement in the justice system by emphasizing early intervention, family-focused support, and community-based alternatives to detention. It works collaboratively with local schools, courts, and service providers to create effective, evidence-based programming for youth rehabilitation and reintegration. Culturally sensitive and inclusive practices are central to the department’s approach, ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, receive the support they need to thrive. Through mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, and recreational activities, the department seeks to improve long-term outcomes for young people throughout the county.

Key Services:

– Juvenile justice and detention alternatives
– Youth development and leadership programs
– Foster care and family support coordination
– Preventive services to reduce out-of-home placements
– Community-based intervention for at-risk youth
– Educational advocacy and reentry planning
– Collaboration with courts and schools for wraparound services
– Case management and counseling for youth and families