Youth Outreach Services is very successful in helping young people deal with substance abuse and related issues such as low self-esteem, gang involvement, poor school performance, delinquency and family conflict. Our counselors provide individual, group and family counseling to youth and their families, in an effort to help them overcome life challenges. Services are provided at our community-based offices, as well as in the community, schools, and homes of our clients.

Academic Support Program

The Academic Support Program Team helps families in the community get the support they need to advance their child’s educational experience. We offer short-term services in order to reduce truancy, suspension and expulsion from school. Families are assigned a case manager who will meet with the family in the convenience of their own home, on a weekly basis to coordinate services tailored to meet their needs.

Behavioral Health Counseling

Our counseling programs help young people experiencing difficulties in several life domains. Our services consist of intensive home-based counseling; outpatient substance abuse counseling for individuals, groups and families; and programs designed to divert youth from the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)

MST is a unique and exciting treatment methodology proven to have positive effects on serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders. Our licensed MST Team provides intensive family and community-based treatment that addresses the multiple determinants of serious antisocial behavior in juvenile offenders. MST addresses the multiple factors known to be related to delinquency across the key systems within which youths are embedded (family, peers, school, and neighborhood). MST strives to promote behavior change in the youth’s natural environment, using the strengths of each system to facilitate change.

Substance Abuse Intervention

Youth sometimes engage in self-destructive behavior, rejecting any assistance others may offer. Substance Abuse Intervention, when done correctly, is extremely effective in helping these youth accept help.

24-Hour Crisis Intervention

Our 24-Hour Crisis Team responds to the immediate needs of youth and families in crisis. They primarily work with runaway, homeless and neglected youth in the community. Typically these services are accessed through our 24-Hour Crisis Line: (708) 547-1091. Our counselors work to diffuse family conflicts while creating a safe environment for youth to return home. YOS also offers temporary placement for runaway and homeless youth.