Our Programs - Youth Development Services
Youth Development Services offers counseling and social development programs through selected schools and community organizations. We help children improve their social skills by clarifying values, promoting positive self-images, and teaching communication, coping, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Our specialists also help with home and school behavioral difficulties, involving parents and teachers in developing appropriate strategies for improvement and sharing 
information and resources.
YDS School Counseling program is currently being provided in the Penn-Harris-Madison school district. Youth Development Specialists are assigned to select schools to work with principals, teachers and other appropriate staff to identify children in need of services, then assess what form of intervention will be the most appropriate and effective. Services can include some or all of the following:
- Individual Counseling - addresses issues such as low self-image, home and school misbehaviors, sibling, parent and peer relationships. Specialists involve teachers, parents, and other appropriate professionals to accurately assess and plan strategies for positive change.
- Social Development Groups - small group sessions focus on developing acceptable social behaviors and promoting appropriate coping techniques. Topics such as improving communication skills, taking responsibility, handling emotions, increasing self-esteem, coping with divorce and death can be addressed based on the needs of the group.
- Classroom programs - based on the particular need and/or teacher or principal request, classroom programs can be a single session or a series of sessions focusing on a variety of skills building topics, including peaceful conflict resolution, peer relationships, accepting others, etc. A six to eight session program presented to first and second grade classrooms, called Basic Social Learning, combines creative activities with discussion to teach basic social skills and to promote the importance of self-worth. The Anti-Bullying program offered in the schools satisfy the Senate enrolled Act No. 285 for educating youth on issues of bullying.
- Support Services - Specialists are available to: participate in school conferences, maintain telephone contact and meet with parents, provide referral assistance and information to families concerning community resources, participate in in-service training for building staff and parents, act as a consultant and resource person for principal and teachers. Requests for services can be initiated by the principal, teachers, parents, and by the children. For individual and small group counseling, parental permission is required, with parental participation encouraged. Specialists provide services during the school day (working with teachers to minimize academic disruptions) at no cost to families.
YDS Conflict Resolution program provides educational sessions to develop appropriate ways to deal with conflicts and bullying issues. Specialists travel to area schools and community centers to provide information to empower youth in their ability to handle conflicts in a peaceful and appropriate way. In order to achieve this we provide information and strategies to increase their knowledge of how to solve problems, provide them the tools to help promote positive decision making skills and then let them try out what they have learned to reinforce the appropriate behavior. We firmly believe that teaching youth, and the adults in their lives, these new skills will help them to use it on a regular basis which is needed to actually change behaviors. This program is open to all Saint Joseph County area schools and community centers that demonstrate a need for assistance.
- DISCOVER Program - providing services to school-aged children in daycare, community centers, summer school programs, and for residents at Safe Station. Group programs are conducted in a series of sessions focusing on a variety of skills building topics, including peaceful conflict resolution, peer relationships, accepting others, improving communication skills, taking responsibility, handling emotions, increasing self-esteem, etc.
For more information regarding the Youth Development Services Program, contact Melissa Ropp, Program Director, at (574) 235-5517.
