FAQs

• What are the eligibility requirements?
  BYS reviews every referral it receives. Possessing all of the attributes listed below make a youth eligible for services but do not guarantee admission.
  Eligibility Requirements:
  • Age 6-11
  • Lives in Dorchester, Roxbury, or Mattapan
  • Attends school in Dorchester, Roxbury or Mattapan
  • Has a trauma history
  • Is able to attend programming five days a week from 3:00-6:30 pm
• Does a youth have to have a trauma history to be eligible for services?
  Yes, BYS’s innovative therapeutic model is specifically designed to serve children that have experienced trauma. Thus, BYS is only able to work with children that have experienced trauma.

• What is BYS’s age of admission?
  BYS accepts children between the ages of 6 and 11, and serves children up to age 12.

• How much does BYS cost?
  BYS is free of cost to families. However, family input is a critical component of the BYS model and thus consistent communication from caregivers is required.

• Does BYS provide transportation?
  Yes, BYS does provide transportation to and from the program in vans driven by Massachusetts certified children’s van drivers. While transportation is an essential part of programming, there are logistical limitations that impact BYS’s ability to accommodate all students and schools. Please contact us to discuss specific transportation questions.

• Can a child attend BYS part time?
  No, the BYS model necessitates that children commit to attending five days a week.

• What are BYS’s operating hours?
  BYS is open for youth from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday during the school year. BYS is open for meetings with families, case management, and treatment planning from 12:00pm-2:30 pm. BYS follows the Boston Public Schools academic calendar.

• Do I need to send a snack with my child?
  No, BYS offers children with a locally sourced nutritionally-based meal provided by City Fresh Foods.

• Will BYS provide homework assistance?
  Yes, that being said, BYS’s programmatic focus is on providing a therapeutic environment for youth to develop the behavior management and coping skills necessary for academic success. As a result, BYS focuses on clinical and wellness services for youth during program hours. There is however time for youth to do homework daily and receive academic support if necessary.

• When do BYS youth graduate from the program?
  BYS youth graduate from the program when they turn age 12 or when their family and clinical team feel as though they are ready to transition to a less structured after school setting.

• What types of services are offered when youth transition from BYS?
  BYS provides immense support for children and families transitioning from the program including making referrals to other mental health providers, helping families identify alternative community supports, and referrals to mentoring services as needed. Families are directly involved in transition planning and planning is individualized to meet each child and family’s unique needs.

• What does BYS’s “milieu” mean?
  A milieu is defined as a person’s social environment and is a critical element of BYS’s innovative therapeutic model. BYS provides a structured and nurturing social environment in which youth can develop self-confidence, emotional regulation, social skills, and the ability to function and participate in group settings. The BYS milieu provides an opportunity for children to practice skills they are learning in therapeutic sessions and to develop healthy relationships with peers and staff.

• Who can refer a child to BYS? How is a child referred?
  Anyone can refer a child to BYS. If there is a question about the eligibility requirements not answered on our website, call us at 617 322 3380 to discuss whether the child in mind meets our criteria. Otherwise, please fill out a referral form located under the “About” tab. Upon receipt, BYS staff will contact the referral source or caregiver with any follow up questions to gather additional information. If it looks like the child would be a good fit, BYS would then invite the child and caregiver in for an assessment with our Director of Family Services and Clinical Director and tour our space. After assessment, the team will determine whether the child will be admitted.