Youth Services

Main Street assists youth with disabilities living in Oneida and Herkimer Counties who have experienced, or are at-risk for involvement with the juvenile justice system, homelessness, or expulsion from public schools.

Help at-risk youth get back on track!
Main Street offers a personalized alternative for youth who need to get back on the right road.

The Program
Know If It’s Right

Main Street works with youth and young adults up to age 22 who are OPWDD-eligible with a documented developmental disability.

• Are at-risk of or have had previous involvement with the juvenile justice system;
• Are at risk of homelessness or have been homeless;
• Are at-risk of leaving school or have dropped out or been expelled; or,
• Require support for severe behavior or crisis management.

The Plan
Let’s Get on Track

Every Main Street participant receives a comprehensive assessment to determine the potential for crisis and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Main Street staff members work with the individual and his or her family or guardians to develop a personalized support plan that takes advantage of the participant’s strengths and addresses his/her unique challenges. Implementing this type of personalized plan with directed training and education provides support, creates stability, and helps minimize the risk of future crisis.

The People
Here for You

The Main Street staff members are often the first people an at-risk teen will turn to during a crisis. Regular contact with the program’s participants and their family members is encouraged to help staff monitor the teen’s progress.

Signs of Being At-Risk

• Recurring behavioral issues
• Depression
• Lack of motivation
• Low self-esteem
• Low self-worth
• Violent behavior
• Sexually promiscuous
• Outbursts of temper
• Steals from family members or other people they know
• Problems with authority or the law
• Elimination of services due to age or lack of community-based help

How to Find Help

If you would like more information or you think this program might be right for you and/or your child, fill out the inquiry form on the right or give us a call at 1-800-627-2981 and ask for the Main Street Program.

RCIL operates on the belief that every one of us is entitled to maintain our basic human dignity. So no matter who you are, or what circumstances you find yourself in, we support your right to have individualized services that you direct. Dignity begins with having a choice, and then choosing what’s best for you.

Counties Served: Oneida, Herkimer

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