Positive Youth Development Program

Positive Youth Development Programs strengthen young people’s sense of identity, belief in the future and self-regulation. The programs also strengthen adolescents' self-efficacy as well as their social, emotional, cognitive and behavioral competence. Some of these programs include:

Tapping Program (Emotional Freedom Technique): Focuses on relieving negative emotions and providing coping skills by tapping nine meridian points on the body.

Interactive Social/Emotional Groups: After-school program at Carrigan Intermediate School, Bailey Middle School and West Haven High School focused on building peer relationships, positive coping skills, emotional awareness, problem-solving and self-advocacy.

Basketball Mentorship Program (SET THE PACE Inc.): Focuses on developing young people’s social-emotional skills, providing exercise-based therapeutic measures and discipline so they can have the necessary tools to work through life's challenges using basketball as a platform.

Westies VIP Program (2024 CRPA Award Winner): Seasonal pop-up event with different interactive activities for children ages 6-14 to promote positive recreational and leisure lifetime skill development and interests. Some of the activities include video games/RC NASCAR racetrack, interactive games (Crazy Cones, extra-large Jenga and Connect Four, and cornhole), Picasso face painting/tattoos, hula hooping, fried dough, photo and video booths, and much more. Westies VIP is a collaboration between West Haven Youth and Family Services and Park-Rec.

West Haven Restorative Diversion Team (WHRDT): Community-based diversion program for young people at risk of arrest or juvenile court referral due to delinquent or at-risk behavior. It aims to keep youths out of the juvenile justice system by providing support and services to help them and their families develop skills for long-term success, addressing the root causes of their behavior.