The mission of the Division of Youth Services is to assure every youth a fair and equal opportunity to attain his/her full potential by providing and encouraging services which strengthen family life and by supporting families in their essential function of nurturing the youth’s overall development.  Similarly, the Division of Youth Services will encourage and assist communities to carry out their responsibilities to provide the important physical and social conditions necessary for the well-being and development of our youth in a fiscally responsible manner.

The Division of Youth Services is responsible for comprehensive planning for youth ages 0 up to 21 years old.  The Division administers NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) grant funding to promote positive youth development, increase youth developmental assets and decrease juvenile delinquency.  The Division is also responsible for advocacy by providing youth empowerment opportunities in the community, increasing public awareness of youth issues, and enhancing community resources for children and youth through inter-agency collaborations.  The Division of Youth Services supports legislation that fosters this mission.