Westwood Youth & Family Services supports the healthy social and emotional development of residents by providing a variety of educational, social, and counseling and supportive services for children ages 4 to 18 and their parents or guardians. Through active collaboration and cooperation with the public schools, social service agencies, local law enforcement and juvenile justice professionals, as well as area human service and mental health professionals, Youth & Family Services enhances the healthy development of children and families through outreach in the Westwood community focused on primary prevention and family support.

• Assess the needs of children and families and develop programs to help meet these needs.
• Provide professional short-term counseling and assessment services for children and families.
• Advocate for appropriate long-term or specialized services in the area of family mental health and prevention.
• Provide information on existing state or local services to residents and area professionals working with youth and families.
• Collaborate with other town departments and community groups in addressing the needs of youth through the consideration or development of mutual efforts.
• Seek funding from outside sources to support services to Westwood residents.

• Individual, family and group counseling for children 4-18 years old.
• Parent, School and Community Consultations (Local Resources and Referrals).
• Structured Play Groups-Social skills groups for Kindergarten-5th grade.
• Single Parent Support Group-Educational and support group for parents single by choice, through separation, divorce or loss of a spouse.

• Child behavioral problems at home and school.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Domestic violence and abuse.
• Child neglect and abuse.
• Mental illness.
• Death of parent/sibling.
• Depression / suicide.
• Divorce and separation.
• Alcohol and drug abuse-parent and child.
• Housing / financial crisis.
• Parent support and guidance.
• Family conflict.

• Body Safety Theater-3rdgr. safety awareness and sexual abuse prevention program (collaboration with Westwood Public Schools, funded by PTOs)
• Friends Network-3rd-5th graders matched with high school partners for Wednesday night activities throughout the school year.
• Thurston Thursday Club -6th-8th gr. after school program.
• Teen Center Program -6th-8th gr. dance/activity events.
• The Basement Program-collaboration with Recreation Department’s after school program for 6th-8th gr. High school volunteers provide homework help.
• Mentor Program–9-12th gr. volunteers in youth development programs for younger students in Westwood.
• R.A.Y. Awards –Collaboration with Westwood Rotary to Recognize-A-Youth, providing awards to young residents engaged in community service.
• Parent Workshops–Educational programs on various parenting topics each year.
• Holiday Giving Program – Privately and confidentially matches Westwood families who need assistance with children’s holiday gifts with sponsoring residents and businesses.