Youth Department

Che Dawson, Director
Youth Department
165 Church St.
(203) 946 - 7670
(203) 946 - 5704 (fax)

The City’s youth department seeks to ensure that all New Haven youth are aware of and have access to positive opportunities to meet their basic needs to (1) be safe, feel cared for, be valued and be independent; and (2) build skills and competencies that allow them to function and contribute to society.  More specifically, the department advocates for supportive policy, facilitates enriching experiences, develops and maintains information databases and websites; and regularly assesses how well the City and other local youth-serving organization are doing in achieving the following citywide intended outcomes for youth:

• Academic Success (academically prepared for post-secondary opportunities for education);
• Good Health (Physical, Mental, Emotional/Social);
• Strong Character (Shared values);
• Informed Decision Making;
• Civic Engagement;
• Job-Readiness;
• Developmentally Appropriate Levels of Independence;
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity (Educated and exposed to their own and other cultures)