What is the Youth Bureau
What Is the Youth Bureau?
The Genesee County Youth Bureau was established in 1971 to plan, coordinate and supplement activities of public, private and religious agencies devoted to the welfare and protection of youth. The Bureau is responsible to the Chief Executive and funded, in part, by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
The Youth Bureau’s programs have grown and changed over the years, but its main purposes remain the same. It assists with the development and funding of programs that encourage positive youth development. These programs help motivate young people to develop a sense of responsibility and make a positive contribution to their communities.
Planning
To develop strategies that effectively and efficiently meet the needs of young people, the Youth Bureau prepares a Comprehensive Plan that is evaluated every three years. Appropriate goals and objectives are established through surveys, studies and needs assessments. These results are incorporated into an annual plan that staff carries out throughout the year.
Coordination and Networking
Relationships with other agencies that share all or part of the Youth Bureau’s mission are important. The Youth Bureau creates and maintains connections throughout the County. Some organizations offer resources, staff and programming for direct services, while others offer additional funding sources.
Provision of Services
Funding is available from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to implement planning objectives. Because local youth-serving agencies have a better understanding of what their communities need, the Youth Bureau funds various outside programs. Staff monitors and evaluates activities and works with other public and private funding and planning agencies to develop essential programs.
Community Development and Advocacy
The Youth Bureau is responsible for community education regarding youth issues, needs and problems. The goal is to build community awareness and skills so the community can become an effective advocate for youth and families.
Youth Board
The Youth Board is an advisory body made up of youth, municipal and human services representatives. Members are appointed by the Genesee County Legislature. The Board is responsible for setting goals, establishing priorities, recommending funding allocations, and monitoring and evaluating programs.
Current Youth Board Members
- Alexander: Shannon Whitcombe
- Byron/Bergen: Open — apply for the Byron/Bergen representative position (PDF)(PDF, 22KB)
- City of Batavia: Kelly March
- City of Batavia: Sheri Crossett
- Darien/Corfu/Pembroke: Justin Rodland
- Le Roy/Stafford: Lynda Lowe
- Oakfield/Alabama/Elba: Paul Osborn, President
- Pavilion/Bethany: Jessica Torrey
- Town of Batavia: Tammi Ferringer
- At-Large: Chris Suozzi
- Youth representative: Corinne Korzelius
- Youth representative: Fernando Cacho
- Youth representative: Carolyn Wujcik
- Youth representative: Cooper Swanson
- Youth representative: Lucia Longoria
- Department of Social Services: Becca Nigro
- Job Development: Lisa Smith
- Probation Department: Carly Lutterell
- Sheriff’s Office: Eric Meyer
- Health Department: Deborah Krenzer-Lewter
- Legislative liaison: John Borrelli
Spreading Youth Development Statewide
Association of New York State Youth Bureaus
New York State has 105 county, town, city and village Youth Bureaus. This network has grown steadily since 1945 and now encompasses all 62 counties, including New York City. Youth Bureaus support youth development programs that address community-identified needs. Community members, local businesses, human services professionals, educators, clergy, parents and young people are all part of the planning process.
Founded in 1971, the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus has more than 200 members representing Youth Bureaus, Youth Boards, nonprofit youth service organizations and municipalities throughout New York State. The Association’s mission is to promote the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of youth and families in New York State through a unified statewide network of youth service programs and professionals.