Who is eligible for the Partnerships for Youth at Risk (PFYR) Program?

Answer:
Any youth age 5-18; referred to our agency through fire, police, Juvenile Justices Services, Family Services, therapists, counselors and other municipalities, and the School District. Referrals of a voluntary basis cannot be accepted right now, due to the high volume of enrollment.

How do I register my child for the PFYR Program?

Answer:
Parents will receive a First Notice from our program, explaining how to register their child on our website. Please click here to to register online

How many classes are there?

Answer:
There are 6 Sections per month. The classes take place from 4-9:00 pm, except July and December.

Do I have to attend the classes with my child?

Answer:
Yes, parents/guardians MUST attend all classes, participate in the group and complete assigned homework. Otherwise, your child will be out of compliance with the program. Non-compliance can extend your child's stay in probation or an extended stay in behavioral school.

What topics other than firesetting will be addressed?

Answer:
Parenting classes, drug and alcohol awareness, bullying, emotions, feelings, gang prevention, fire and life safety education, screening and counseling.

What happens if I miss a class?

Answer:
You and your child will have to repeat all of the classes during the next available month. Due to volume of groups, this could take up to three to four months to re-register.

What type of paperwork will I need to fill out?

Answer:
All of the paperwork will be given to you at the beginning of the first session. Releases will need to be signed then, as well as scheduling an appointment for the UMC Burn Center tour (for children over 8 years old) and screening at the Center for Health & Learning.

Are there after-care services provided?

Answer:
Yes, continuation of counseling through the Center for Health & Learning.

When will I receive the certification of completion?

Answer:
Upon completion of the entire program, all parent and child homework, UMC Burn Center tour, Center for Health & Learning, and all the surveys. A copy of the certification will be sent to the parent or guardian, as well as the referring agency.

When was the program started?

Answer:
The PFYR Program, formerly the Youth Firesetting Intervention Program, began in 2000. It has served over 2000 youth and their families, to date.

What happened to the Youth Firesetting Intervention Program?

Answer:
The Youth Firesetting Intervention program evolved into the Partnerships for Youth at Risk in 2008 and formally became a Non-Profit 501 C 3 organization. The former Youth Firesetting Intervention Program began in 2000 and has served over 2000 youth and their families, to date.