Program areas at HSVS
Residential and housing programs: hsvs operates a number of residences and housing solutions specifically for the youth and young adult population that it supports. These programs are multi-dimensional in what they offer; in addition to a bed youth received educational coaching, employment training, and wellness support - all to help people develop a sense of independence and a belief in themselves and their future. The children's community residences (ccr) provide short term residential care and targeted intervention for over 30 youth aged 13-18 who's behavioral and/or emotional needs prevent them from safely and productively residing at home. The refocus program serves youth aged 17 and older to transition to adulthood well by providing education, vocational skills training, mental health treatment and support towards securing supportive housing. Clinicians and trained residential staff work with our youth and families to identify attainable goals, focusing on areas of highest need, such as behavioral management or skill building focused on coping. Staff then work with the youths to achieve these goals and to build the skills necessary to support a safe and stable transition home, or to a home-like setting. The program is licensed by the nys office of mental health and all applications must first be screened by children's single point of access (cpsoa). Supportive housing programs offered a variety scattered site housing for young adults and adults. 30 young adults (18-25 years old) who are pregnant or the head of household received housing with high service utilization, homeless or at risk of being homeless. Additional scattered site housing was provided to 132 people. Sub-programs supported those with criminal backgrounds, severe mental illness or general risk of homelessness. In additional to stable housing, people received education and employment coaching, wellness support and a sense of stability and independence. Hsvs also has four group healing homes. These are youth residences that serve foster care youth in queens and staten island. Each home provides support for gaining independent living skills, which include learning financial literacy, pursuing an education, obtaining gainful employment, utilizing health resources and securing housing. The young men and women in our residences benefit greatly from living in safe, stable homes, where they receive caring attention and work to overcome their challenges in this environment. In addition, youth who have a qualifying mental health condition are provided additional Services under a trauma-informed model of care. Over 40 youth were supported through this program.
Preventive Services: hsvs' family service centers provide free community-based Services to help families in crisis and to ensure their children remain safe in their homes. There are specialized preventive Services for families who have a parent or family member with substance abuse issues and for youth who are medically fragile. In addition to individual, family and group counseling, staff members provide guidance to families on where to find essential help and resources. Hsvs places a great importance on helping families stay together and work through the issues confronting them. Hsvs offers a helping hand to resolve conflict or crisis by supporting and strengthening the family. Preventive programs supported over 450 youth and families.
Foster boarding home and adoption Services: this program ensures that children in foster care experience a seamless transition to a safe, stable and loving home, whether that means their reunification with biological parents or an adoption. As a part of the hsvs team, foster parents work to ensure the well-being of the child. Many times, the foster parents develop such a bond with the child that they become adoptive parents. Hsvs works closely with foster parents to provide the necessary support system for youth as they navigate a tremendously difficult time. Hsvs' office of youth development is responsible for the development, coordination and delivery of innovative strategies to provide youth in foster care with the skills they need to become successful adults. Hsvs serves over 250 youth ages 14-21 who are placed in family or residential foster care settings. Additionally, hsvs provides Services to youth who have previously aged out of foster care and continue to need support.