Since 1960, the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau has been a planning, funding, and coordinating agency which is dedicated to developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive system of services for youth in the Rochester and Monroe County community. We believe youth and their families deserve the best services possible.

To make this happen, we:

• Help plan and coordinate services for youth
• Assess youth needs to determine funding priorities
• Promote partnerships with agencies to provide comprehensive services
• Provide funding to youth service agencies
• Monitor and evaluate Youth Bureau funded programs to ensure quality services
• Coordinate Runaway and Homeless services for youth
• Study/examine different segments of the youth services system and issues that affect youth
• Advocate for legislation, systems change, and funding to improve/assist the youth services system

The Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau, in their commitment to Positive Youth Development, facilitates the Community Asset Partner Network Initiative for Monroe County. The Asset Initiative, developed by the Search Institute, promotes Asset Building through positive youth development through Monroe County. The Community Asset Partner Network meets monthly to share and support local communities and organizations in their asset building efforts for all youth and their families.

Vision

We promote a positive future for all youth.

Mission

To create a community that supports a comprehensive range of opportunities for the successful development of youth.

Linking Research to Practice in Youth Development - What Works and How Do We Know?

Youth development providers are increasingly expected to base their programs and practice on research. Policy makers, state and local government, and funding agencies increasingly demand the use of evidence-based programs and/or practices to decide which youth development programs they should support. Service providers also have an interest in being able to show that their programs are effective and make a difference. The information provided in the following PDF “Linking Research to Practice in Youth Development – What Works and How Do We Know?” is provided as a guide and resource tool for those developing and implementing programs with youth.

        Download the Linking Research to Practice in Youth Development PDF

 

Back to top

County Executive's Call to Action to Prevent Bullying  

Ten years ago, a cross-section of concerned community members formed the Community Task Force on Bullying Prevention that included representatives from local school districts, the County Departments of Mental Health, Public Safety and Youth Bureau, law enforcement agencies, human service agencies and parents. The work of the task force was recognized nationally and Monroe County was cited in the national “Stop Bullying Now!” campaign’s tip sheet on “What Communities are Doing.” Unfortunately, one only has to turn on a computer or television, or read a newspaper or magazine to know that bullying has captured our local and national attention once again.

Organizations and agencies serving youth must be given the tools and resources necessary to maintain physically and emotionally safe environments for our younger residents. Therefore, with the assistance of the RMCYB, the County Executive hosted a Call to Action to Prevent Bullying (CECTA) on March 20th at Monroe Community Hospital. The CECTA brought people together from across Monroe County who work with youth; including parent/teacher associations, school superintendents and personnel, youth organizations, mental health professionals, law enforcement officials, church leaders and youth leaders, and our youth.

The CECTA was led by bullying prevention experts including internationally renowned, Dr. Samuel McQuade from the Rochester Institute of Technology, who helped define the many factors that contribute to environments where bullying persists and also outlined the ongoing commitment that is necessary to create and implement culture change. Also presented at the CECTA were the County Executive's 7 Steps to Prevent Bullying and Pledge To Prevent Bullying (located below) which encourage the community to take advantage of moments to do the right thing, provide support to targets of bullying and send a firm message to those who engage in bullying behavior that it will never be tolerated.

Please contact us at 585-753-6455 with any questions or concerns about bullying.

Download the 7 Step Action plan for CECTA

2012 Monroe County Intergenerational Fishing Derby

On Tuesday, April 10th, County Executive Maggie Brooks hosted nearly 350 people at the 4th Annual Monroe County Intergenerational Fishing Derby at Powder Mills Park with the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau and Monroe County Office for the Aging. Prizes were awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners in the Seniors and Youth Divisions. Once again, rods were donated by the Monroe County Fishing Advisory Board (MCFAB) to participating youth with additional prizes donated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Police. The Monroe County Intergenerational Fishing Derby provides an opportunity for youth to meet our community's senior citizens and enjoy a morning of fishing and fun at one of our County's finest parks. This FREE event allows students from all grade levels to take part in a friendly competition, while forming new friendships, and learn about fishing and our environment from biologists of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

2012 Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run - April 28, 2012

For the third straight year, the RMCYB has partnered with the Rochester Red Wings and Monroe County Sports Commission to host the Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition. This year's competition will take place on April 28th at 9 am at Frontier Field. Monroe County boys and girls ages 7-14 will gather at Frontier Field to compete in the main aspects of baseball/softball during the Local Competition. In 2011, two Monroe County Winners advanced to the next level at Citi Field during an MLB game between the Mets and Angels. To register for the Pitch, Hit and Run, please fill out the forms and return them to the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau by April 23, 2012. 

To find out more about the 2012 P,H, R, please contact us at 585-753-6455.

• Download 2012 Assumption of Risk and Release - MLB Sectional
• Download Registration Form

2012 Young Citizen of the Year Awards

The Young Citizen of the Year Awards were established by the Monroe County Legislature as one of the highest honors for youth and adult leadership, community service, advocacy and perseverance. The winners are dynamic Monroe County residents with the passion and drive to change the world, as well as identify and realize solutions to problems. They are committed to strengthening their communities and themselves. The awards pay tribute to outstanding citizens who have made a local contribution toward advocacy and action. An individual is eligible for consideration if he/she has exhibited outstanding leadership and performed extraordinary acts on behalf of others or whose achievements have greatly enhanced the quality of life for Monroe County, or has served as a role model for youth advocacy. As you are completing applications, please be as specific as possible and include the full complement of contributions the youth has made to the community. Specifically include achievements beyond those that are academic and sport related.

To nominate an individual, please fill out the form below and return it to Megan Wilson c/o RMCYB, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, New York 14620. If you have any questions, please call Megan Wilson at 753-6460.

• Download the Call for Nominations Letter
• Download the Nomination Form

The 3rd Annual Intergenerational Holiday Seniors Ball

On December 5th, 2011 County Executive Maggie Brooks along with the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau (RMCYB) and Monroe County Office for the Aging (MCOFA) hosted the 3rd Annual Intergenerational Holiday Seniors' Ball. This holiday tradition brings high school seniors together with senior citizens from all around Monroe County for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship at the Double Tree Hotel. Over 400 people enjoyed the event filled with raffles, the naming of the Ball Prince and Princess as well as the Silver Belle and Beau, and entertainment provided by the Johnny Matt Band.

2011 Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up

On October 15th, 2011 County Executive Maggie Brooks along with the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau (RMCYB) and Monroe County Office for the Aging (MCOFA) hosted the inaugural Monroe County Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up. Youth from all around Monroe County assisted senior home owners (ages 60+) with fall yard work (ie - sweeping, raking, and bagging leaves and other manageable debris). Several schools were represented including Freddie Thomas, McQuaid, Our Lady of Mercy, Greece Olympia, Greece Athena, Drake Middle School, Harley Allendale, as well as youth from City Recreation. The Fall Clean Up was yet another opportunity for the county to honor its seniors and embrace the willingness to serve from our youth.

The 3rd Annual Trivia Bowl

On September 17th, 2011 County Executive Maggie Brooks and the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau (RMCYB) hosted the 3rd Annual Monroe County Trivia Bowl in the Legislative Chambers at the County Office Building. The Trivia Bowl showcases the broad knowledge of the dedicated youth (ages 11-14) who wish to compete for fun prizes. Joining County Executive Brooks were Legislators Anthony Daniele and Mary Valerio who asked the participants various brain-teasers from the areas of literature, math, science and pop culture. Youth and their families were welcomed into the Legislative Chambers for the event and were awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place prizes for their efforts.

The 3rd Annual Cardboard City

On August 10-11, 2011 a collaborative of members from Youth As Resources, Youth Voice One Vision, and Nazareth College raised awareness and funds for homeless service providers in Monroe County. The Annual Cardboard City event provides the opportunity to Monroe County youth to spend a night out in Washington Square Park to engage in a Service Learning experience with community leaders, peers, and program providers. Youth and adults participate in a series of activities that increases awareness and understanding of the plight of homelessness in our community.

Youth As Resources (YAR)

Youth As Resources seeks to empower and engage youth as partners with adults in creating positive community change and development. Youth and adult members govern the YAR board which provides mini grants to local youth in order to develop and carry out service projects that addresses a clear community need.

To find out more about YAR, please click here

• YAR Information Pamphlet
• YAR Grant Application Form
• YAR Board Member Application Form

Youth Yellow Pages

The Youth Yellow Pages offers resources, services, and support for youth in Monroe County.

The Youth Yellow Pages is in its fifth printing and was recently updated by the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau. This guide is also available in hard copy by calling the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau at (585) 753-6455.

Download the Youth Yellow Pages (297k PDF)

The Youth Yellow Pages is the companion guide to the Adult Guide to Youth Services. The Adult Guide to Youth Services is also available in hard copy by calling the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau at (585) 753-6455.

 

Back to top

Adult Guide to Youth Services

The Adult Guide to Youth Services offers resources, services, support and good ideas for parents and others who care about youth in Monroe County.

The Guide is in its seventh printing and was recently updated by the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau. This Guide is also available in hard copy by calling the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau at (585) 753-6455.

Download the Adult Guide to Youth Services (232k PDF).

Download the Drugs Chart (94k PDF) companion to the Adult Guide to Youth Services.

The Youth Yellow Pages is the companion guide to the Adult Guide to Youth Services.

 

Back to top

Capacity Building

Capacity Building (formerly Best Practices Partnership) Mission

The Best Practices Partnership is a voluntary group of management level youth and family providers that come together to learn, share, communicate, plan and empower each other. Along with the Best Practices Implementation Team, funders, organizations, staff, youth and families, the Partnership identifies and develops the critical organizational elements and functions that must be impacted to implement and maintain best practice consistent with Community Youth Development philosophy.

This includes:

• Developing consistent frameworks for implementing Best Practice
• Identifying barriers and issues to implementation and recommendations to address and resolve.

Partnership Members

• Boys and Girls Clubs of America
• Catholic Youth Organization/Catholic Family Center
• The Center for Youth
• Crestwood Children’s Services
• Community Place of Greater Rochester
• Department of Social Services, Child and Family Services Division
• Hillside Children’s Center
• Hillside Work Scholarship
• Metro Council for Teen Potential
• Puerto Rican Youth Development
• SouthWest Area Neighborhood Association
• Unity Health Systems
• Urban League of Rochester