Early Support for Youth and Families Facing Behavioral Challenges
The PINS Diversion Program helps youth and families address concerns early — before court involvement — through compassionate guidance, skill-building, and community support.
About the Program
The PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) Diversion Program provides early intervention services to youth in Herkimer County who are experiencing challenges such as truancy, defiance, substance use, or curfew violations.
Our goal is prevention — addressing concerns before they escalate into legal involvement. Through counseling, education, and coordinated support, we help youth and families strengthen communication, rebuild connection, and restore stability at home, in school, and in the community.
Who We Serve
Youth Under Age 18 in Herkimer County
We support young people experiencing behavioral, school-related, mental health and/or emotional challenges.
Families and Caregivers
We help families navigate difficult situations with tools, communication support, and resources.
Youth Facing Early Behavioral Concerns
Including truancy, defiance, substance use, conflict at home, and curfew violations.
Core Services & Supports
Our PINS Diversion Program provides early, supportive interventions tailored to each youth and family. These services focus on strengthening communication, building practical skills, and addressing challenges before they escalate — all at no cost to the family.
Individual & Family Counseling
Supportive counseling designed to improve communication, address root causes, and create healthier relationships.
Skill-Building Sessions
Practical skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, emotion regulation, and communication.
Referrals to Community Resources
Connections to programs, providers, and supports that meet each youth’s unique needs.
Education & Prevention Services
Evidence-based education to help youth understand the impact of their choices and develop positive behaviors.
School & Community Collaboration
We work closely with schools, agencies, and partners to ensure coordinated care and consistent support.
Training & Community Education
We provide no-cost education and training to youth, families, schools, and community partners, including:
Youth groups focused on decision-making, communication, and substance use prevention
Parent education sessions on communication, discipline, and supporting youth
Information and brochures for schools, agencies, and referral partners about the PINS process
These trainings are designed to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide families and partners with the skills and knowledge needed to support youth effectively.
Measuring Our Impact
We evaluate success through both data and real-life progress.
Our indicators include:
The PINS Diversion Program is not about punishment or labeling. Our youth are not “bad” — they are facing challenges and deserve understanding, support, and opportunity. Participation does not create a juvenile record. We are here to help families grow stronger together.
PINS Diversion Program — FAQ
The PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) Diversion Program provides early intervention services for youth showing signs of behavioral challenges, such as truancy, defiance, substance use, or curfew violations—before court involvement becomes necessary.
Youth under 18 living in Herkimer County who are experiencing behavioral concerns, along with their families and caregivers, are eligible for the program.
No. All PINS Diversion Program services, including counseling, skill-building, and training, are offered free of charge.
No. Participation in the PINS Diversion Program does not result in a juvenile record. The program is focused on support, prevention, and helping families address challenges early.
The program offers counseling, family support, skill-building sessions, community resource referrals, education, and collaboration with schools and partner agencies.
By addressing concerns early, teaching essential skills, and connecting families with support, the PINS program helps reduce the need for court petitions and promotes healthier home and school environments.
Yes. Family involvement is a key component. Caregivers receive guidance, education, and support to improve communication and strengthen relationships at home.
Schools often partner with the program to identify youth who may benefit from early support. The PINS team collaborates with teachers, counselors, and administrators to coordinate care and monitor progress.
Common goals include better school attendance, improved behavior, stronger decision-making skills, healthier family relationships, and increased engagement with positive supports.
Families, school staff, or community partners can reach out directly to the PINS Diversion Program. A team member will help determine next steps and arrange an initial appointment.
Contact the Family Services Team
We’re here to support you with guidance, education, and compassionate care as your family navigates recovery and healing.
Oahmidah Chalbat
Chrystal Fox-McCormick
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