CINS/FINS Community Counseling

What Is Community Counseling?

Community Counseling is a delinquency prevention program designed to work with children 6-17 years of age who are at risk of ending up in the juvenile justice system. These children have not yet been convicted of a crime, but they may skip school, be runaways, and/or refuse to listen to their parents or guardians. In most cases, these out-of-control behaviors are due to family problems, interpersonal problems and/or academic challenges or unaddressed learning disabilities. 

In more formal terms, these children are considered truant and ungovernable. Community Counseling is funded by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice through the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services.

What Services Are Provided Through Community Counseling?

Services are provided for children and their families in the home or other appropriate locations, such as at the child’s school. Once a family is approved for Community Counseling, services include:

  • One on one counseling sessions with the child

  • Teaching conflict resolution skills

  • Working on effective communication skills

  • Practicing goal setting techniques

  • Connecting the family to community resources, if needed

  • Truancy statute enforcement

Bilingual services are available, and Community Counseling is free for eligible families.

What Is the Process to Get My Child Into Community Counseling?

YFA will conduct an intake screening with the child and parent or guardian to discuss the underlying issues and determine eligibility. Once approved, a YFA case manager will conduct a comprehensive child and family assessment, also known as the “intake” process, and develop a plan to address the family’s challenges. Community Counseling and case management services typically last for 90 days as the case manager works with the child and family. Planning for after the program concludes is also included, with recommendations for ongoing self-help provided to the child and their parents/guardians.

For more information, email us at familyhelp@yfainc.org. For more information on the CINS/FINS process, please click here.

CINS/FINS Community Counseling

Pasco, Hernando, Sumter and Citrus Counties (North)
Telephone: (727) 835-4166

Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties (South)
Telephone: (727) 835-4166