Youth and Family Services (youth under 18)

Anger Management

The Anger Management Program is a skills and education based program where youth and parents can learn alternatives to aggressive behavior.  Many adolescents have difficulty managing anger and aggression and this can impact both the adolescent and the those attempting to work with them. An adolescent’s frequent preference for using such behavior in conflict situations interferes with the positive and constructive behavior they may possess.  The purpose of anger management education and counseling is to: (1)  teach youth in high-risk situations to understand what causes them to feel angry and to act aggressively,  (2) teach techniques they can use to reduce their anger and aggression, (3) facilitate models for proper use of anger management techniques and to provide feedback to participants practicing anger reduction skills, and (4) teach parents the same techniques and to learn how to reinforce what is being taught to their children. Youthworks will be offering individual counseling and workshops for youth and parents to address the need for anger management and parent-child conflict training.

Contacts

Bismarck

Runaway Program

The Runaway Program provides emergency services to runaway youth & their families including crisis response, shelter, food & supplies, reunification & follow-up individual & family counseling.

Contacts

Bismarck

Short-Term Care and Assessment Center

Youthworks shelters provide comprehensive emergency services to runaway youth and their families, as well as, youth experiencing significant parent/child conflict and provide one-time drop-in, and crisis line services to youth who may be contemplating running away and require or seek only a minimal level of service (such as information and referral to other services providers). Full reunification services are available including individual and family counseling, anger management, mediation, mentoring, and personalized aftercare services. For both runaway and short-term care situations parents or guardians retain custody and reunification is intended to happen within 96 hours, or sooner if possible. Professional assessment is available 7 days a week Attendant Care is on-call, short term, staff secure holding of juvenile offenders who cannot or do not need to be placed in a physically secure setting and 1. cannot be immediately released to their parents 2. need to be held until a longer term placement can be arranged 3. need to be held while an investigation is being conducted 4. for whom shelter care is not appropriate due to the risk of running All authorizations for attendant care will go through various law enforcement agencies. Placing agencies have the authority to make placements for up to 24 hours. Placements of 24-48 hours may be allowed by Youthworks but require notification of the Juvenile Court.

Contacts

Bismarck

North Dakota Guardian ad Litem Program

A guardian is a person appointed by the court to advocate for the best interest of a child involved in Juvenile Court. The core function of a guardian is an objective examination of the child’s situation to assist the court in understanding the child’s true circumstances and needs. A guardian’s role is to ensure every child lives in a safe, healthy permanent family. Our mission statement is “to provide effective, independent advocacy in the best interest of children before the court”.

Contacts

Bismarck

Homeless 18 - 24

Transitional Living

Youthworks provides short-term transitional housing and support services to homeless young adults ages 18-24.

Eligibility: Available to homeless youth ages 18-24 who do not have a safe and permanent living arrangement. Housing services are available up to 18 months.

Housing: Youth who are eligible may contact Youthworks for an application. Housing is available based on a

2- to 4-week intake process and apartment vacancy. Support services are available immediately.

There is a program fee charged each month. Upon transition into permanent housing, additional financial assistance may be available.

Support Services

  • Furnished apartment
  • Counseling and mentoring
  • Support groups
  • Referrals
  • Educational and employment assistance
  • Independent living skills education
  • Assistance with food, bedding and personal hygiene items
  • Drop-in apartment support/supervision

Contacts

Bismarck

Parenting Pathways

The Parenting Pathways program provides short-term transitional housing and support services to individuals who are pregnant or parenting.

Eligibility: Available to homeless pregnant or parenting young adults ages 18-24 who do not have a safe and permanent living arrangement. Housing services are available up to 18 months.

Housing: Young adults who are eligible may contact Youthworks for an application. Housing is available based on a 2 to 4 week intake process and apartment vacancy. Support services are available immediately.

There is a program fee charged each month. Upon transition into permanent housing, additional financial assistance may be available.

  • Support Services
  • Furnished apartment
  • Counseling and mentoring
  • Support groups
  • Referrals
  • Educational and employment assistance
  • Parenting education
  • Independent living skills education
  • Assistance with food, bedding and personal hygiene items
  • Drop-in apartment support/supervision

Goals & Expectations

  • Pregnant and parenting youth are required to:
    • Learn parenting skills including:
    • Child development skills
    • Health and nutrition education
    • Family budgeting skills
    • Economic independence skills
  • Attend all required meetings.
  • Actively participate in recommended mental health/chemical dependency services.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, drug and alcohol free living environment.
  • Obtain and maintain employment.
  • Follow program rules as outlined in the housing agreement.
  • Pay program fees.

Contacts

Bismarck

Youth 13 - 24

Anti-Human Trafficking

A program providing direct service and intensive case management to young survivors of human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking. Services include individual intake/assessment, individual counseling, appropriate service referrals, transportation, and various emergency shelter and transitional housing options. This program aims to help these young survivors (through age 22) establish a safe, healthy, and secure future. Program staff are also available to provide training and community education.

Contacts

Bismarck

VOCA

Contacts

Bismarck

Contact Us

Name

Bismarck Staff

Assistant Executive Director

Mark Heinert, LBSW

GAL Program Director

Barb Oliger, LBSW

Human Resource Manager

Lauren Bosch, B.S.

Anti-Trafficking Program Manager

Amy Boyd-Bolme, LMSW

Youth Engagement Specialist

Hannah Thomas, LBSW

STCAC & Runaway Program Lead

Sara Eastman, LMSW

Anti-Trafficking & VOCA Specialist

Ashley Willis, MSW

Anti-Trafficking Therapist

Alison Traynor, MSW, LMSW, MPH

Anti-Trafficking Housing Navigator

Angie Harper, LBSW

TLP/MGH Service Coordinator Program Lead

Anita Bohner, LMSW

TLP/MGH Program Lead

Jay Schafer, B.S.

TLP/MGH Case Manager

Sierra Deringer, MSW