The Lincoln Hills Development Corp. Youth Service Bureau was established in 1965 and provides a variety of programs to children and families in Perry, Spencer and Crawford counties in southern Indiana. As one of LHDC's newest Youth Service Bureau programs, the Family Services and Resources Program started in January 1996 and operates in a three county area. Modeled after the highly successful Intensive Parent Aide Program, the program provides advocacy services to families and children. Referrals are made to the program by area schools, organizations and agencies, or by families themselves, to help a family identify and address specific issues affecting the well-being of family and children. A Family Resource Manager works with both the family and referring agency to evaluate needs and determine services.
Services are flexible and vary greatly on a case by case basis.
Participation by the family is strictly voluntary. Emphasis is placed on teaching basic life skills, effective communication and parenting skills, positive child discipline, problem solving, self-esteem, helping families develop a positive relationship with their children's school, coping skills, etc. During it's first seven months of operation, over 140 families received services through the program. Perhaps one of the most successful approaches to dealing with families and children that have had substantiated or indicated instances of child abuse or neglect, is through the YSB's Intensive Parent Aide Program. Over 350 families each year are provided intensive parenting education, life skills training, household and budgeting management assistance, and other related training.