About Us

Welcome to the Putnam County Youth Bureau

The Putnam County Youth Bureau was established by the Board of Supervisors in 1979 and is part of the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau and a liaison to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The Putnam County Youth Bureau is responsible to the County Executive for coordinating and supplementing the activities of public, private and religious agencies devoted in whole or in part to the welfare, development and protection of youth. Through the Integrated County Planning process, the Youth Bureau coordinates the allocation of resources to meet those needs. The Youth Bureau has the primary responsibility of advocating for the youth of Putnam County. The Youth Bureau promotes positive youth development based upon the belief that families and extended families are the fundamental sources of care, support and guidance for children and youth. Our schools and other community-based services, both formal and informal, are appropriate and effective complements to this foundation.

The Putnam County Youth Board

The youth board may be composed of a maximum of 28 voting members, which must include a minimum of two youth members under the age of 21 years.

Membership is open to adults and students who work, reside or attend schools in Putnam.

Potential members submit a youth board application and are invited to attend our Youth board meetings, normally held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4 PM.  After attending three board meetings, the board votes to recommend that the County Executive appoint the person to the board for a two year term.  Each December, the Youth Board elects a President,
vice-president, a Secretary and other officers if deemed necessary and appropriate. Each officer serves a one year term.

The Youth Board assists with developing and recommending effective policies, programs and projects for positive youth development and the prevention and control of juvenile delinquency and youth crime. In addition, the Youth Board takes the responsibility for the planning and presentation of the Youth Awards Dinner at which youth who have provided significant work as volunteers in their communities.

The Youth Bureau is responsible for developing and implementing the comprehensive plan for youth services in Putnam County.

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

• Information
• Education and Training
• Referrals
• Coordination of Resources
• Advocacy for Youth and Families

SERVICES TO SCHOOLS, RECREATION DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY AGENCIES and COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Comprehensive Planning for Youth Services
• Prevention Programs
• Speakers Bureau
• Assistance in Grant Writing and Program Development
• Referrals to the Entire Network of Youth Services in Putnam County
• Clearing House for Statistics

Click to see our brochure!