1. Do you offer after school programming and what is the cost?
Human Services has a variety of after school programs for elementary, middle, and high school aged youth. You can view our programs under the Youth & Family Services Division. The fee for after school programs vary. Human Services offers scholarships for families who are in financial need. Please contact the Youth & Family Services Administrator at 535-5083 if you are interested in pursuing a scholarship.
2. I believe my child needs counseling.~ What do I do?
Human Services provides brief counseling, 12 sessions, available at no cost to Stonington residents. If you are interested in pursuing counseling for your child you will need to set up an appointment at Human Services to complete an intake. An intake can be done over the phone or in person at Human Services. Once the intake has been completed, the Clinical Supervisor will review your case to determine if we are the best match for your needs. You will either be referred to a more suitable resource or contacted by a counselor to set up an appointment. Please call Human Services for more information, 535-5015.
3. How much does counseling cost?
Human Services provides brief counseling, 12 sessions, available at no cost to Stonington residents
4. What is the Juvenile Diversion Board (JDB)? How do I refer a child to JDB?
The purpose of the Juvenile Diversion Board (JDB) is to provide an alternative to Juvenile Court for juveniles who have committed minor criminal violations in Stonington, and to assist youth who have exhibited problems in the home, school, and community. The goal is to provide a plan for each individual by utilizing community programs, services, and other resources, which will effectively deal with the particular incident, assist in positive development, and encourage responsible behavior.
The JDB will accept referrals for any resident of Stonington who is under the age of sixteen. Referrals will be accepted when the person being referred has signified his/her willingness to cooperate with the JDB by signing the required consent form. The signature of a parent/ guardian is also required. Referrals will be accepted from the Police Department, schools, social service agencies, professionals, parents/guardians, or self. Youth referred by the Police Department must accept total responsibility for the offense with which they are charged before the JDB can review the case. Contact the Youth & Family Services Administrator at 535-5015 to make a referral and complete a referral form.
5. How do I register for programs?
Registration forms can be downloaded on our website under any of our programs or you can stop by our office between the hours of 9AM- 4:30PM to pick up a form.
6. Do you have to be a resident of Stonington to qualify for programs or workshops?
Not necessarily. If you are an out of town resident please contact our office at 535-5015 if you are interested in a specific program or workshop to see if you’re eligible to attend. Programs or workshops may have an increased fee for non-residents.
7. Do you have volunteer or community service opportunities? What are they?
Yes, and you can download a volunteer application form this website. Human Services needs volunteers to help with answering phones, filing, photocopying, data entry, etc. Volunteers also help with youth and senior programs, special events, and are active members of our Youth Advisory Board, Stonington Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, and Juvenile Diversion Board. Please call Human Services at 535-5015 if you are interested.
8. What leadership opportunities are available for my children?
Leadership groups and programs are offered through Stonington Human Services. Our leadership programs include: Kids Care for grades 3 and 4; All Stars for grade 5; Youth to Youth for grades 6-8; and a Youth Advisory Council for grades 8-10.
9. Do you offer any vocational training for youth?
Yes. Workshops and trainings are always being offered, please contact Human Services or check our website for a listing of dates and trainings. Youth who are between the ages of 13-15 can take part in our Hire-A-Teen program, a job referral service for youth. Applications for this program are available on line.
10. Where can my child get working papers?
Working papers are obtained upon presentation of a promise of employment from the employer. You can get working papers for your child at the Stonington Public Schools Board of Education Building Main Administrative Building, 49 North Stonington Road Old Mystic, CT 06372, Telephone: (860) 572-0506. Guidelines vary regarding permitted hour of work and types of work dependent upon the age of the child.
11. I can’t afford preschool ~ What do I do?
Human Services offers a preschool program called Teens to Tots located at Stonington High School. There is a sliding scale fee for this program. Please click on to our Teens to Tots program for a description and the sliding scale fee or contact Human Services at 535-5015.
12. Do I qualify for free preschool?
Free preschool is dependent upon your family income. Please click on to our Teens to Tots program for a description and the sliding scale fee or contact Human Services at 535-5015.
13. Is it okay for me to leave my child home alone?
Deciding when your child is ready to stay home alone is a difficult decision for parents. There is no set age, either prescribed by law or by child development experts. It comes down to a judgment call on the part of parents. Consider their age, maturity, ability to handle urgent situations, the environment, the length of time your child will be home alone, and his/her feelings. Experts say a child should be at least 12 before being left home alone and at least 15 before he/she can care for a younger brother or sister. These are minimum ages. Not every child is ready then. For more information, check out the Department of Children and Family Services at www.state.ct.us/dcf.
| 
