Youth Bureau

The Youth Bureau is responsible for the coordination of contracted youth service agencies in the Town of Babylon. These agencies include the Youth Institute and the program it operates. The Youth Bureau is located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon. The main contact is Claire McKeon at (631) 422-7660.

All counseling intakes are scheduled through Larissa Rosa, Supervising Counselor. Ms. Rosa may be reached at (631) 422-7658.

Counseling services are offered free of charge to Town of Babylon residents ages 5 to 20 years. Counseling is provided by licensed mental health professionals.

After the intake session is completed, a counselor will be assigned to the case. Each client will be seen for approximately 45 minutes per week, at the discretion of the counselor. Sessions take place at the Town Hall Annex located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon and are scheduled for afternoons (Monday through Friday) and evenings (Monday through Thursday). Parents should be aware that there are certain rules of confidentiality which must be observed by all counselors and therefore there may be certain items that have been discussed by the counselor and child which cannot be revealed to the parent(s). Additionally, all counselors working here are Mandated Reporters, meaning that they MUST report allegations of child abuse and/or neglect to the proper authorities.

If your child was referred to youth counseling services by you (the parent), school, church, or other organization they must first complete an intake session. The session consists of basic information gathering and a general discussion of specific problems, situation, etc. This is the first required step in enrolling for youth counseling services. The supervising counselor will then assign a counselor who would best fit with that individual. After the intake session is completed, a counselor will be assigned to the case. Each client will be seen for approximately 45 minutes per week, at the discretion of the counselor. Sessions take place at the Town Hall Annex located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon and are scheduled for afternoons (Monday through Friday) and evenings (Monday through Thursday). Parents should be aware that there are certain rules of confidentiality which must be observed by all counselors and therefore there may be certain items that have been discussed by the counselor and child which cannot be revealed to the parent(s). Additionally, all counselors working here are Mandated Reporters, meaning that they MUST report allegations of child abuse and/or neglect to the proper authorities.

Project SAFE provides crisis intervention in runaway cases. Staff will meet with parents, the child, and other interested parties in an effort to reunite the child with his family and to develop a plan going forward. In cases where returning home is not a viable option, Project SAFE will assist in securing alternative housing solutions. This service is available to Town of Babylon residents, free of charge.

Since each center is an independent organization, it is best to call and find out exactly what programs they will be offering for the summer months. Also, please refer to the Parks and Recreation Department's Summer Guide for information relative to day camps, swimming lessons, and many other activities.

The Town of Babylon has nine Youth Centers:

• Babylon Youth Project
  147 North Carll Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702
  (631) 587-7117
• Copiague Youth Center 
  650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726
  (631) 608-1489
• Deer Park Community Center
  41 Homer Avenue, Deer Park, NY 11729
  (631) 940-7661
• Lindenhurst Youth Center
  177 South Smith Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
  (631) 226-1320
• North Babylon Community Youth Services
  213 Phelps Lane, North Babylon, NY 11703
  (631) 422-0333
• United North Amityville Youth Organization
  48A Cedar Road, Amityville, NY 11701
  (631) 789-5613
• West Babylon Community Youth Center
  71 Sawyer Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704
  (631) 661-1333
• Wyandanch Youth Services
  20 Andrews Avenue, Wyandanch, NY 11798
  (631) 920-5600

The Youth Bureau manages oversees nine (9) different youth programs and counseling services, including:

• Mental Health Counseling Services - the main contact is Larissa Rosa at (631) 422-7658.
• Project Safe - the main contact is Jean Fiust at (631) 422-7653. This program provides services to runaway, homeless and missing youth.
• Parenting Skills - the main contact is Bob Ranieri at (631) 422-7658. This group is geared towards parents of youth and young teens and consists of group meetings and discussions.
• Social Skills - the main contact is Alyssa Bloom at (631) 422-7620.
• The Bridge Program - introduces social skills groups for children with autism spectrum disorders, in addition to parent and sibling support groups. The main contact is or Kelly McNulty at (631) 893-1018.