West Hartford Social Services offers support, information and referrals to youth and families seeking assistance in navigating mental health, behavioral, social, academic or other youth challenges. Call our main office to request a consultation with our Youth Social Worker to see what resources may be available.
The Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center (HANOC) is a collaborative effort of the Town of West Hartford, the West Hartford Housing Authority, West Hartford Public Schools, and other community agencies. HANOC offers after-school homework help, tutoring, and summer academic enrichment programs for students in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Volunteer tutoring opportunities are also available.
For more information, please contact HANOC directly at 860-953-8875.
The Youth Diversion Team offers a different path for youth who have caused harm—one rooted in accountability, healing, and repair, rather than punishment. If your child, student, or someone you care about is involved in an arrestable offense, we support meaningful responsibility and healing for everyone affected—youth, families, those directly harmed, and the community.
About the Program: What Is the Youth Diversion Team?
The Youth Diversion Team is a community-based, trauma-informed restorative justice diversion program for youth ages 10 to 17 involved in an arrestable offense. Instead of facing court or probation, youth participate in a process where they take responsibility, hear from those impacted, and create a plan to repair harm.
We bring together youth who have caused harm, those who have been harmed (if they choose to participate), and trained volunteers in a safe, facilitated setting. Together, they work to understand what happened, collaboratively determine what needs to happen to correct the harm, and how everyone can move forward.
This is not about punishment—it’s about making things right.
How It Works: A Restorative Process in Four Steps:
Referral: Youth are referred by police, school resource officers or other school personnel, the Juvenile Court, or other partners, rather than being sent to court.
Preparation: Trained staff meet with youth, families, and others affected to understand what happened and prepare for dialogue with the Youth Diversion Team.
Restorative Meeting: All parties come together (when safe and appropriate) to discuss the harm, take accountability, and create a repair agreement.
Follow-Through: The youth complete the agreement with support from the Youth Diversion Team and ongoing follow-up for 6 months. Once done, the case is closed with no formal charges.
Why It Matters
Youth learn to take responsibility for their actions and repair damaged relationships.
Families and youth are supported, not punished.
Those who were harmed have a voice and are an integral part of the healing process.
The community helps guide outcomes and restore trust.
Long-term system involvement is avoided.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria: Youth may be eligible for the Youth Diversion Team if:
They are between 10 and 17 years old
They have been involved in an arrestable offense
They accept responsibility and agree to participate
The case is referred by a partner agency (e.g., law enforcement, school resource officer or other school personnel, Juvenile Court)
For Families
If your child has caused harm, it can feel overwhelming. The Youth Diversion Team provides support, structure, and an opportunity to make amends without formal charges. We guide your child through a fair and thoughtful process that helps them:
Understand the impact of their actions
Repair harm in a real and meaningful way
Rebuild trust with you, the community, and themselves
You’ll be supported every step of the way.
For Those Harmed: Your voice matters.
If a young person’s actions harmed you, you deserve to be heard. In the Youth Diversion Team process, you’ll be invited (but never required) to share how the harm affected you and what repair looks like.
We prioritize safety, support, and empowerment, and our facilitators will work with you to determine the level of participation that feels right for you.
Volunteer / Get Involved: Be part of the solution.
Community members play a vital role in the Youth Diversion Team. Volunteers help facilitate healing conversations, support youth in completing agreements, and offer wisdom and accountability.
Training is provided; no prior legal or professional experience is required, but a basic understanding of youth development is necessary.
Referring Partners: Working Together to Create Better Outcomes
If you're a police officer, school administrator, probation officer, or prosecutor looking for meaningful alternatives for youth, the Youth Diversion Team is ready to partner with you.
We handle intake, preparation, facilitation, and case follow-up. Our process is evidence-informed, community-centered, and aligned with public safety goals.
Get in touch
Have questions? Want to learn more? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help.
Our youth social worker can provide support if your child is experiencing any of the following behaviors:
Has run away from his or her parental home or other properly authorized and lawful place of abode without cause.
Is beyond the control of his or her parent(s), guardian, or other custodian.
Has engaged in indecent or immoral conduct.
Truancy/Absenteeism
Support is available if your child is experiencing school truancy. A student is considered truant when they have 4 unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences within one school year. View more information on truancy.
If your child is giving you a hard time about attending school or has frequent absences, talk to your child’s school for assistance. If you feel additional supports outside of school would be helpful, the school can refer them to our youth social worker.
The Village Urgent Crisis Center
1680 Albany Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
860-297-0520
Urgent response for children’s mental health crises. The Village’s walk-in Urgent Crisis Center is a community-based outpatient level of care providing crisis stabilization, comprehensive mental health assessments, crisis medication services, collaborative safety planning, and coordination of services for youth and family.
Wheeler Family Health and Wellness Center: 860-793-3030
Youth Service Bureaus (YSBs) are Connecticut’s community hubs for youth and family support. YSBs are essential partners in helping young people grow, stay safe, and succeed. Each YSB is operated by one or more municipalities or by a designated nonprofit, and works closely with schools, town departments, and community organizations to coordinate services for youth and their families.
The Bridge Family Center is contracted to serve as West Hartford’s Youth Services Bureau. More information about the supports, interventions, and prevention work that The Bridge does can be found on their website: Counseling, Mentoring, Support Groups for Youth & Teens.
