Youth Planning and Development

The Department of Youth Planning and Development serves the citizens of Chesterfield County by working to develop and improve the community assets that assist families in raising children who are responsible, law abiding and self-reliant. Youth Planning and Development collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates information useful to youth, families and youth serving organizations. We utilize the Communities That Care and the 40 Developmental Assets' models as a foundation for assessing and prioritizing risks and promoting approaches that research has proven to be effective in addressing youth issues. We serve as a collaborative partner, working with other organizations to meet youth needs. The work of the department is guided by the Youth Services Citizen Board.

Our Vision and Mission

Our vision is to be recognized both internally and in the community as a leader and resource base for issues related to youth; and to be recognized as a facilitator for engaging county departments and the community in effectively and efficiently addressing youth concerns.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for youth and families in Chesterfield County, to promote positive youth development and to prevent delinquency.

Summary of Services

Information and Referral - Citizens seeking information on a variety of youth related issues or services may contact Youth Planning and Development with their questions. The department’s goal is to provide accurate and timely information. Resource information is also available through our Guide to Services for Youth.

Public Education - The department provides public education programs and educational materials through a variety of events such as monthly driver's license presentations, the Use You Lose initiative, Comcast and various service clubs.

Publications - Youth Planning and Development has developed brochures and other informational materials for citizens on topics such as youth volunteer opportunities, resource information for alcohol and drug issues, parenting information and teen help cards containing resource numbers.

Research - Youth Planning and Development collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates information about issues relating to youths in Chesterfield County. Research products include an annual report, Youth & Family Indicators for Chesterfield County, Virginia and the Guide to Services for Youth.

Planning - The department convenes the Partnership for Youth to engage in youth development planning. Both the positive and negative influences on youth from four social areas -- home, school, peers and the community -- are evaluated. Data is collected, reviewed and analyzed and priorities for Chesterfield County are established. Resource information is collected, analyzed and long-range goals are established. From the information gathered, the Partnership develops strategies for implementing the long-range goals.

Collaborative Partnerships - Youth Planning and Development often serves as a collaborative partner, working with other organizations to meet youth needs. In this role, the department has been active in the following local and regional efforts.

• Parent Education Committee
• Professional Advisory Committee
• Partnership for Youth
• Families First Coalition
• Comprehensive Policy and Management Team
• Communities In Schools
• Capital Area Workforce Investment Board Youth Council
• Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act Team
• Extension Leadership Council
• Model County Government Program
• SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment), Inc.
• United Way Services Community Building Committee
• Regional Drug Free Alliance

SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) - In 1994 the Chesterfield Alliance for Drug Rehabilitation and Education (CADRE), Chesterfield County Public Schools, the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force (DAATF) and Chesterfield Youth Planning and Development (known at that time as Youth Services) joined together to launch SAFE. Youth Planning and Development provides the staff support for SAFE.

The goal of SAFE is to change permissive community attitudes about the use and/or abuse of alcohol and drugs by adolescents and adults.

For more information about SAFE, visit the SAFE Web site at www.chesterfieldsafe.org 

Special Initiatives/Events - Through its efforts to engage the community and promote opportunities for positive youth development, Youth Planning and Development has been a partner in sponsoring the following special events:

• Chesterfield County Outstanding Youth Awards
• Community Youth Forum
• SAY-SO! (Strictly About Youth - Speak Out!)
• Model County Government Program
• Solutions Violence Prevention Program
• Student vs. Marijuana
• Band Fest

Staff Members

Jana D. Carter, Director of Juvenile Services
Sharyl Adams, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Beth Clements, Youth Development Specialist
Lori Epps, Youth Development Specialist
Patty Glazier, Administrative Secretary