Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus has renewed the County’s contract with the Child Abuse Prevention Center to provide youth programs to residents of Dutchess County. The 2002 contract was extended through the 2004 program year.

County Executive Steinhaus said, “Providing this funding is an investment in the future of our youth. The “Teen Life Connections” program helps build positive attitudes and confidence, and provides decision making training for our youth to resist negative influences.”

The contract between Dutchess County and the Child Abuse Prevention Center assists at-risk middle school or high school students to re-assess their value system to make more pro-social changes. The program is provided at both school-based and community based sites and allows 300 teens to begin to establish a rapport with peers and adults through interactive discussions regarding values, attitudes, beliefs and asset building.

“I am pleased that the TLC is using the developmental assets framework in their program design,” stated Betsy Brockway, Youth Bureau Executive Director, “This framework helps the youth to focus on skills, competencies, and relationships that will help them succeed as young adults.”

Catherine Hexel, Executive Director of the Child Abuse Prevention Center added, “We remain deeply appreciative of the county’s support in providing needed services to these Dutchess County youth.”

A total of $22,000 was awarded for the continuation of services. Funding is from NYS Office of Children and Family Services administered through the Dutchess County Youth Bureau.