Family Support
Prevention (of foster care) Case Management Services
Mission:
To keep children and their families together, safe, and healthy. “Prevention” refers to preventing out-of-home foster care placement.
Population Served:
Albany County families—ages 0 and up.
Eligibility:
Some families are voluntary when through Albany County Prevention Department. Some families are mandated through Child Protective Services.
Program Site:
Trinity Institution, 15 Trinity Place, but most of the work is done outside of the office.
Hours:
9 to 5 and as needed.
Description of Program:
Prevention provides case management, support and advocacy. We assist with day to day issues including food and shelter but also with long term goals. These include special education needs, employment, referrals to appropriate agencies for other needs as required and help in navigating these agencies. At minimum see clients once a week. Children receiving case planning services are eligible, as approved via referral to from Albany County, to attend the Trinity afterschool program and evening enrichment program.
Expected Outcomes:
The goal is to keep families together and prevent the need for foster care as well as to promote self-sufficiency.
Staff contact:
Lynn Asvestas, Director, 449-5155 x 112
Mike Kelly, Assistant Director, 449-5155 x 128
Shazzia Hines, Family Support Worker, 449-5155 x 126
Prevention Clinical Services
Mission:
To keep children and their families together, safe, and healthy. “Prevention” refers to preventing out of home foster care placement.
Population Served:
Albany County Families, age 0 and up
Eligibility:
Families are referred by the Albany County Department for Children, Youth and Families. Program Site:
Trinity Institution, 15 Trinity Place, but most of the work is done outside of the office.
Hours:
9 to 5 and as needed.
Description of Program:
Clinical prevention provides counseling services to address immediate mental health needs to help stabilize the family and allow them to step down to prevention case planning services. Family and/or individual counseling sessions are held weekly. The family is also seen as needed and if an emergency arises. Additionally, clinical prevention provides case management, support and advocacy. We assist with day to day issues including food and shelter but also with long term goals. These include special education needs, employment, referrals to appropriate agencies for other needs as required and help in navigating these agencies. Children receiving clinical prevention services are eligible, as approved via referral from Albany County, to attend the Trinity afterschool program and evening enrichment program.
Expected Outcomes:
The goal is to keep families together and prevent the need for foster care as well as to promote self sufficiency.
Staff contact:
Lynn Asvestas, Director, 449-5155 x 112
Mike Kelly, Assistant Director, 449-5155 x 128
Kevin Bryant, Clincial Case Manager, 449-5155 x 122
Matt Haessig, Clinician, 449-5155 x 103
Christine Tuluchen, Clinician, 449-5155 x 113
The prevention program is funded by the Albany County Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Evening Reporting Center
Mission:
The purpose of Evening Reporting Center is to assist youth with the development of new ways of thinking, new ways of behaving, maximizing strengths, developing protective self-esteem and improving adult interaction.
Eligibility:
Girls 13 – 17, involvement with the juvenile justice system (probation or court involvement). The youth must reside in Albany County
Program Site:
15 Trinity Place, Albany NY
Hours:
Monday through Friday 3 pm – 9 pm.
Description of Program:
The Evening Reporting Center is designed to provide structured after school programming for at risk young women referred by probation, it serves as an alternative to secure or non-secure placement. The ERC utilizes a strength based approach, and intensive youth development programming directed to the unique needs of young women. The Evening Reporting Center is a positive personal & youth development experience in a protective and safe setting.
Contact:
Program Director: Lynn Asvestas, x112
Assistant Director: Michael Kelly, x128
Program Coordinator: Erika Peterson, x108
