Giving Youth A Fresh Start

In conjunction with Cattaraugus County and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau helps to facilitate many youth programs:

Youth Development and Delinquency Prevention Programs (YDDP)

• The Recreation Programs include municipal recreation programs, and the Special Olympics.
• Youth Services. The Youth Bureau works with other community agencies to help develop and fund programs that serve the County's youth such as the Cattaraugus County Mental Health Association's Camp New Horizons, BOCES' Government for Youth Program, St. Bonaventure's Social Action Program, Olean Youth Leaders In Action, Salamanca Youth to Youth, Olean YMCA Teen & Tutoring Center, Parents As Teachers, and also some funding for the Youth Court.
• Youth Initiatives. The Youth Bureau allocates some funds to some municipal police and Sheriff's Department Juvenile Officer Programs.

Special Delinquency Prevention Programs (SDPP)

• The Youth Bureau works with other community agencies to help develop and fund programs that are specifically designed to help youth-at-risk. Programs such as the Better Business Bureau's Juvenile/Anti-theft Program, Cattaraugus County Community Action's Domestic Violence Children's Program, and the Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Next-Step Program.
• The Youth Bureau runs the Cattaraugus County Runaway & Homeless Youth Program.

Detention Services

Detention is temporary placement by the court, providing supervision, a stable environment, safety, and continuing education for the youth being placed. The Youth Bureau utilizes both foster homes and other Detention facilities. 

Youth Court

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative to the Juvenile Justice System for first-time, nonviolent offenders between the ages of 7 and 17 years old who are willing to admit culpability for the offense. The goal of the Youth Court is to intervene in the early anti-social and delinquent behavior. Youth Court strives to promote feelings of self-esteem and a desire for self-improvement, and to foster a healthy attitude toward rules and authority. Youth Court also offers a law-related education program for young people who seek to become members of the court.

Independent Living Skills

In cooperation with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the Youth Bureau conducts weekly classes for Independent Living Skills for youth between the ages of 14 to 19. Topics include employment skills, money and home management, health and relationship issues, and more. The Office of Children and Family Services provide classroom equipment and curriculum supplies.

Children with Special Needs

The Youth Bureau administers the Children with Special Needs (ages 3 to 5) Program for Cattaraugus County. This includes involvement in the education and necessary services and transportation of preschool children with special needs.