Youth and Family Support Worker (YFSW)
Our Youth and Family Support Worker program is a one-on-one mentoring service that typically occurs in the community setting, the home, or school.
Our Youth and Family Support Worker program is a one-on-one mentoring service that typically occurs in the community setting, the home, or school.
Common interventions include teaching, modeling and implementing self-regulation skills, improving peer relationships, and increasing self-esteem.
An adult mentoring program is available for ages 18-21. Our mentors assist with employment, housing, transportation, cooking skills, computer skills and other self-sufficiency needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Does my child qualify for your service?
- A: Eligibility is determined by meeting criteria for Serious Emotional Disturbance SED: and demonstrating behaviors that place them at risk for a higher level of care. They must have at least one other mental health service such as therapy, psychiatry, case management, or therapeutic family living.
- Q: What age does my child have to be?
- A: Our clients range from age 4-21.
- Q: How long can my child be in your program?
- A: State regulations indicate this service is to be provided for 90 days. Individual client needs will determine if the service can be extended.
- Q: What does a typical YFSW activity look like?
- A: This will vary depending on the child’s individual needs and challenges. In general, our workers use behavioral techniques to help teach and practice self-regulation skills. Our program uses therapeutic games and activities to teach your child how to manage their moods, problem solve, develop social skills, increase self-esteem, and many other healthy living skills. They will participate in community outings together, assist in taking learned skills into the home and spend time with the parents, siblings and other family members. Our focus in the home is to practice the skills they have learned with the support of the one-on-one worker.
- Q: My child struggles with making friends, can you help?
- A: Through planned activities our workers will teach your child healthy social skills, boundaries, and how to make and maintain friendships. Small group activities will help facilitate peer interactions. Your child will learn skills that will allow him/her to get along better with peers and siblings.
For further questions or to inquire about receiving a mentor for your child:
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Billings Area 406-245-2751 3212-1st Ave S, Suite 207 Billings, MT 59101 |
Livingston Area 406-222-6490 or 1-866-612-4125 5237 Hwy 89 S, Suite 1 Livingston, MT 59047 |
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Lewistown Area 406-538-4418 211-3rd Ave N Lewistown, MT 59457 |
Forsyth Area Community Based Services 1845 Cedar Forsyth, MT 59327 (406) 346-1846 |
Testimonials
Each year parent/guardians, clients and stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding services. Listed below are some of the comments they have made in recent years:
The worker was great with my son. She worked hard on a lot of social activities with him, and he made great gains.
Parent/guardian
The YFSW has been a critical part in the support of our family.
Parent/guardian
I feel that there should be more people like our one on one and ours was awesome.
Parent/guardian
My son truly enjoyed and learned from the one-on-one. She was very caring and met his needs.
Parent/guardian
It helped my child practice social skills, boundaries, and volunteering work.
Parent/guardian
It gave my son a nice outlet away from home.
Parent/guardian
