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Town of Cheektowaga First Offender and Troubled Youth Counseling Program

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What is the Cheektowaga First Offender & Troubled Youth Counseling Program?

The Cheektowaga First Offender and Troubled Youth Counseling Program is primarily a family therapy program. Often youthful offenses are a sign of significant personal or family problems. We strongly believe that youth who are having trouble at home, in school, or in the community need the support of their families in order to make changes. This program operates under the Restorative Justice philosophy.

Program Basics

  • Family Therapy Program
  • Serves youth 7 to 21 years of age
  • Free for residents of the Town of Cheektowaga
  • Youth having trouble at home, school and in the community
  • Program staff maintain frequent contact with referral sources
  • Referrals to an EMDR trained therapist

What is the goal of the Cheektowaga First Offender & Troubled Youth Counseling Program?

The Town of Cheektowaga’s First Offender program was established to divert juveniles (those under 16 years of age) and youth under 21 years of age from the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The goal of the program is to reduce crime, make the Cheektowaga community safer, and help youth work through serious family or personal issues that may be contributing to a pattern of escalating delinquency. One of the factors that make this program very successful is the close contact program staff maintains with referral sources. Most referrals to the program come from the Cheektowaga Police Youth and Family Support Unit, staff at the six school districts that serve Cheektowaga, and the Erie County Probation Department. This contact allows for the exchange of appropriate information, and helps families maintain a high degree of adherence to the program.

How does the Cheektowaga First Offender and Troubled Youth Counseling Program work?

Intensive Family Therapy

This program uses a form of family counseling called Intensive Family Therapy, a type of short-term counseling which focuses on improving the relationships and communication among family members. Intensive Family Therapy uses the family’s central role in a youth’s life to help them work through and move past difficulties to a successful future. Sessions are held weekly for one hour each session. Phone contact is maintained with the family in between sessions.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

In addition, program therapists are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an effective treatment for trauma-related issues.

Who is eligible for the program?

The program is open to youth under the age of 21 who are residents of the Town of Cheektowaga. Youth involved in this program are experiencing difficulty at home, school and in the community.

How much does the Cheektowaga First Offender & Troubled Youth Counseling Program cost?

This program is funded by the Town of Cheektowaga Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Services and by the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and is provided to Town of Cheektowaga residents at no cost.

How can I make a referral to the Cheektowaga First Offender & Troubled Youth Counseling Program?

Referrals can be made by contacting the Program Coordinator.

Client Comments

"The Cheektowaga First Offender Program has helped me to communicate better with my family."
"Since completing the program, I’ve had no further involvement with the juvenile justice system."
"My son's behavior has greatly improved because of our family counseling sessions."
"This program has been a huge help to my family. We have went to so many other counselors and finally feel comfortable here. We have finally met people who care about what happens to our family."
Child & Family Services
Town of Cheektowaga First Offender and Troubled Youth Counseling Program
2470 Walden Avenue
Cheektowaga, New York 14225
Phone: (716) 681-5718
FAX: (716) 681-5300