Success Story

Comprehensive Youth Development Services

Southern Region

Dan was 16 years old when he began receiving services from the Comprehensive Youth Development Services (CYDS) program. He was referred by his mother, Carol, for counseling. Carol was concerned about Dan’s significant medical (i.e. Sickle Cell Anemia and Sleep Apnea) and mental health (i.e. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Depression) history and its impact on his actions. Dan was using marijuana three to five times a week and stealing to support his drug habit. He eventually became involved with the court system after being arrested for theft. Carol believed that Dan was using marijuana to self treat his feelings of depression which was, in turn, harming him even more. She desperately sought the help of the CYDS program so she wouldn’t be forced to lock Dan out of her home.

While gathering information about Dan’s social history, CYDS staff discovered that prior to getting involved with drugs, Dan participated in numerous positive activities such as mentoring at-risk boys. Once he began using marijuana he started to miss his mentoring group and no longer had the time or motivation to interact with the youth. Program staff worked weekly with Dan and Carol, providing both individual and family counseling. He set a goal to stop using marijuana and to successfully complete all stipulations set by his court sentence. Dan became committed to improving his life in order to become a successful adult.

Recently, Dan was provided with a referral to a local substance abuse treatment center. In addition, CYDS staff began educating him on the negative impact of marijuana and assisted him with researching articles on the topic. Soon Dan returned to his mentoring group and began participating in other positive activities such as basketball. With the support of the CYDS program, he has dramatically reduced his marijuana intake and is actively participating in drug abuse treatment group every week. Dan continues to navigate the court system and is willing to accept whatever punishment he is given for his past mistakes. His entire family was also assisted by program staff, receiving food, household items and hygiene products when they could not purchase them on their own.

Dan still has hurdles to overcome, but he has made outstanding progress over the last three months. His mother remains extremely supportive and is a continual source of positive encouragement. CYDS Staff are committed to continuing to work with Dan as he achieves his goals and moves towards a positive future.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.

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