About F.A.C.E.
Families Approaching Conflict Effectively
What is the About F.A.C.E. Program?
For many young people, early offending provides a stepping stone to more serious
or violent crimes. But positive intervention, family
support and guidance divert youthful offenders to another path, preventing future
delinquent or criminal activities. Child & Family Services About F.A.C.E. Program
is just the tool to help young offenders choose a better path.
Program Basics
- Two components:
- Youth having problems at home, school or community;
- Ages 7 - 20;
-
Erie County Residents; and
- Free of cost.
What is the goal of the About F.A.C.E. Program?
The About F.A.C.E. Program works to deflect at-risk youth
from the criminal justice system and reduce recidivism by working to ensure that
a youthful offender’s first offense becomes his or her last. The Program offers
a unique approach to addressing high-risk behaviors in young offenders by educating
them on the consequences of their actions.
How does the About F.A.C.E. Program work?
The Program uses two specific methods of treatment to meet the needs of victims,
offenders and their families, and the community.
Intensive Family Therapy
One component is the unique Intensive Family Therapy Model.
Together with a trained therapist, families and their children work to stop at-risk
behavior and end further contact with the juvenile or criminal justice system.
Victim Offender Conferencing and Dialogue
This process involves meetings with the offending youth, his or her parents, the
victim and other community members in the presence of a trained facilitator. The
facilitator works with the group to discuss the offense, the harm it has brought
to the victim, and the impact it has on the youth’s
family and the community as a whole. Click here for more information.
Who is eligible for the About F.A.C.E. Program?
The Intensive Family Therapy component is open to youth ages 7-20 and their families
who are residents of Erie County. The Victim Offender Conferencing component services
ages 7 and older. About F.A.C.E. serves youth on probation, or those exhibiting
high-risk behaviors including truancy, disorderly conduct, harassment, rule breaking,
vandalism, trespassing etc.
How much does the About F.A.C.E. Program cost?
The About F.A.C.E. program is offered free of charge to Erie County residents.
How do I make a referral to the Program?
Contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Client Comments
Parent of offender:
"I really feel that because my child had the opportunity to meet the victim, it
made him feel more sorry than he was prior to the conference."
"We appreciate that our son was given the opportunity to learn a valuable life lesson
as a minor before other, possibly worse crimes, were committed. We appreciate the
fact and understanding that the facilitators gave to our son."
Parent of Victim:
"I am glad that we had the conference. It made me feel more secure and I feel that
my son feels more secure. Thank you."