“Providing alternatives for youth and families to prevent delinquency and neglect”
Established in 1958, Southfield Youth Assistance Commission (SYA) is an official City commission. Concerned citizens volunteer their time and talents on PYG to help youth and families. Oakland County Youth Assistance Program provides casework services and professional staff to work with families living in the Southfield/Lathrup village area as well as SYA members.
The Commission is sponsored by the City of Southfield, Southfield Public Schools and the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division. Funding is provided by the City, Schools and Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Purpose
The purpose of the Commission is:
- To instill confidence and hope in youth
- To prevent juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect
- To promote citizen and community involvement in youths’ lives
Services
SYA services include:
Casework
- Personal and confidential
- Family Focused
- Short-term
- No cost
Through Oakland County Youth Assistance, SYA caseworkers offer youth and their families assistance and referral services to develop more effective coping skills. Where appropriate, referrals are made to area support services or recreational programs. Casework services are intended to prevent the development of serious problems by helping to resolve conflicts involving youth. By addressing everyday situations early, solutions hopefully are easier. Youth may be referred to SYA by a parent, police officer, school personnel or other concerned adult. The focus of casework is on the whole family and not just the incident that brings the youth to the attention of SYA.
Family Education
SYA sponsors a variety of workshops and programs designed to improve understanding of child development, family communications and parenting skills.
Camperships
Volunteers raise money to provide scholarships for youth in need of an enriching summer camp experience.
Mentors Plus
Adult volunteers are matched, one-on-one, with youth, ages 5-17, for positive role modeling. Training is provided.
Youth Recognition
Young people are publicly recognized during an annual youth recognition awards program for making significant volunteer contributions to the community, including sharing their time and talents to help neighbors, places of worship, or schools.
Skill Building
SYA provides scholarships to youth who would benefit from an enriching learning experience, such as tutoring in math or reading, music, art lessons, and other recreational activities.
Shoplifting Prevention
A prevention program and facilitated discussion for youth is provided by SYA.