Youth Service Bureaus
Youth Service Bureaus are community-based organizations that provide prevention services, family counseling, and diversion programs for young people and their families.
What Are Youth Service Bureaus?
Youth Service Bureaus (YSBs) serve as the first point of contact for families seeking help with youth-related challenges. We provide community-based alternatives to formal court processing, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and family support.
Age Range
2 to 21 years old.
Eligibility
Broad and accessible. Youth at risk of or involved in the juvenile justice system, or experiencing behavioral, emotional, or family challenges.
Referrals
Parents/guardians, schools, police departments, community agencies, courts, and the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).
According to the Maryland Code of Regulations, YSBs provide the following specific core services:
Individual, family, and group counseling
Community-based counseling support for youth and families.
Referral and information services
Connecting families to local and statewide support resources.
Crisis intervention (including youth suicide prevention)
Immediate support when youth and families need urgent help.
Substance abuse assessment and referral
Assessment and referral pathways for substance-related needs.
Informal counseling and mentoring
Guidance, mentoring, and supportive intervention before deeper system involvement.
There are currently 8 active Youth Service Bureaus in Maryland.
There are currently 8 active Youth Service Bureaus in Maryland, serving Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Carroll County.
District Heights Family & Youth Services Bureau
District Heights, Prince George's County
Katrina Emerson, Executive Director
(301) 336-7600
Greenbelt CARES Youth Service Bureau
Greenbelt, Prince George's County
Liz Park, Director
(301) 345-6660
Bowie Youth & Family Services Bureau
Bowie, Prince George's County
Wendy Wilcox, Program Director
(301) 809-3033
Carroll County Youth Service Bureau
Carroll County
Elizabeth Guroff, Executive Director
(410) 848-2500
Laurel Helping Hands Youth Service Bureau
Laurel, Prince George's County
Dr. Dana Hubbard, Clinical Director
(240) 294-1304
College Park Youth Family & Senior Service Bureau
College Park, Prince George's County
Kiaisha Barber, Director
(240) 487-3550
Doral Scholars
Baltimore City
Ajah Doswell, COO
Contact MAYSB for details
Lighthouse Inc. Youth & Family Services
Catonsville, Baltimore County
Dr. Rosalind Ceasar, Director
(410) 788-5483 • lighthousemd.org