Shelton Youth & Family Services: (Originally established in 1988 as the Shelton Youth Service Bureau by the City of Shelton) will coordinate, plan, and develop services for the youth of Shelton and their families. In 2023 the Bureau was renamed Shelton Youth and Family Services for the purpose of promoting the well-being of Shelton youth and families by providing them with a network of resources and opportunities through partnerships with many local service providers.
Shelton Youth and Family Services works cooperatively with the schools, police, youth, parents, and other community resources to encourage youth and their families to strive for their full potential.
Our staff members address youth issues and concerns through life skills education classes, conflict mediation training, awareness campaigns and promotion of peer advocacy.
The SYFS is a city agency located in Shelton High School. Funding for programs offered comes from the City of Shelton, State Department of Education, Valley Community Foundation, Valley United Way and various private donors.
Contact: Silvia Rodriguez, Director
Location: Shelton High School, Rm. 215
120 Meadow St., Shelton
Telephone: 203-924-7614
Fax: 203-924-1072
Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Send an Email: s.rodriguez@cityofshelton.org
Visit us on our Shelton Youth & Family Service Facebook Page
Programs offered by the SYFB throughout the year:
Safe Sitters – This course, which is offered 4 times a year, is designed to teach young people ages 11-14 the skills to become self-confident and competent babysitters or mothers’ helpers, as well as learning important life skills. Please call 203-924-7614 for a schedule or more information.
Tween/Teen Center- offers monthly programs for Shelton youth in grades 5, 6 and 7. Activities include extreme recess, swim nights and dances.
Teen Safe Driving Awareness Night – A valley-wide information session for parents and youth emphasizing smart choices.
Heart of the Community Spotlight- Shelton Youth and Family Services seeks nominations of Shelton youth ages 12-18 who have contributed in some positive way to the betterment of an individual, group or community. This is not an academic or athletic recognition nor done for class credit or required service hours. Students will be honored for their community service, good citizenship, and motivation to help others. Nominations are available by calling Youth & Family Serv at 203-924-7614, or emailing l.draper@cityofshelton.org
Nominees will be reviewed by Shelton Youth and Family Services Advisory Board. Those selected will be spotlighted in the Shelton Herald and honored at a reception in the spring.
Family Movie Night – Shelton celebrates families on Saturday nights in July and August at the Riverwalk/Veterans’ Memorial Park on Canal Street by offering FREE movies on a big screen. Bring a blanket or chairs, bug spray and enjoy a night out on us! Movie schedules are posted around town and on the city website www.cityofshelton.org
Youth Life Skill Classes – Substance abuse prevention education classes are available upon request to students in grades 3-12 in Shelton schools. Each class is 40 minutes long and taught during the school day. Topics include:
Respect
Manners
Stress and Anger Management
Alcohol and Other Substance Use
Decision Making
Getting Along with Others
Responsible Behavior and Consequences
Kids Alone Safe at Home
Community Education – Small group discussions are held for parents and other caregivers to address youth issues. Topics include: Homework Help for Parents; Bullying; Stress Management; Alcohol and other drug information.
The Juvenile Review Board – Shelton youth, who are first-time offenders under the age of 18, and admit guilt, may be diverted from the juvenile court system. Volunteers from the Shelton community serve as board members and work with SYFS staff and Shelton police to give youth a “second chance”.
Family With Service Needs- Families and/or youth can be referred to our FWSN’s program when there are incidents or behaviors that would benefit from community support services. We then work collaboratively with the community and local agencies to make sure the family or child is supported and their needs are met.
Youth 2Youth Peer Advocates – Intermediate and high school students who live in Shelton meet weekly to explore youth issues, plan community service projects, learn new life skills and train to become youth mentors/educators. This peer/community service group prepares young people for their roles in society in the areas of personal growth, leadership and community involvement. Applications are available online or through the Shelton Youth Service Bureau.
Visit us on our Youth 2 Youth Facebook Page.
Library Resource Centers – Resource centers offer information on a large variety of family issues. These resource centers are located in both public libraries and in the nurse’s office at the high school.
Community Alert Program –The Community Alert Program is Shelton’s substance abuse prevention council. C.A.P. sponsors many prevention and awareness activities throughout the school year.
Halloween Trick or Trunk Night – A safe and fun Halloween experience for the families in our community. Families, individuals, businesses and clubs are invited to decorate their vehicles in a Halloween theme and provide wrapped treats for the children who attend. A DJ provides the music. The event is held at the Shelton Intermediate School parking lot on October 31.
Youth to Youth Peer Advocates Application