The Office of Youth Services provides short term counseling which focuses on the child's behavior. For issues that require longer term therapy, referrals are made to other agencies.

Manchester residents with children under the age of 18 can contact us to discuss a situation. If our services are not approporiate, we can assist you in determining what services could be useful to you.

Child abuse and neglect may be reported from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday by calling the following New Hampshire toll-free number: 1-800-894-5533.  If calling from outside of New Hampshire: (603) 271-6556.

After 4:30 P.M. or on weekends call New Hampshire Helpline: 1-800-852-3388. If calling from outside New Hampshire after hours call: (603) 225-9000.

Truancy is illegal behavior for young people. It is a serious offense and also increases the likelihood of poor academic performance. In the case where your child is not going to school it is important to call your child’s school and set up an appointment to discuss the problem with school officials. You can also contact the Manchester School District’s Attendance Officer: (603) 365-8144.

Emancipation is afforded to people under the age of 18 who wish to live independently of their parents or guardians. The State of New Hampshire does not provide for the emancipation of any minors. Child and Family Services offers a Transitional Living Program for young people 18-21 who need to develop independent living skills. This program is especially helpful for young people who want to learn to live independently.

The City of Manchester Office of Youth Services (OYS) provides support for young people and families. While OYS staff are expert in a variety of areas and do a great job of referring families to appropriate services in our community (see our “Resources” page), we have special services to work with young people who have problems with Alcohol/Drugs, Shoplifting, Runaway/Curfew Violation, and Unruly Behavior in the Home. The Manchester Police Department will refer young people to OYS after they have engaged youth who are unruly or inappropriate in the community. Many other agencies refer youth to OYS who need support and guidance in their behavior in the community. In many cases, it is up to OYS staff to offer alternatives to Juvenile Justice System referral for Manchester’s youth. Unfortunately, there are cases where OYS is not able to help youth and families without referring children to District Court for services provided by the State of New Hampshire Division of Juvenile Justice Services. While OYS strives to offer alternatives to Juvenile Court, we are duty bound to insure public safety.

While the Office of Youth Services has the ability to file a CHINS petition on behalf of Manchester parents, OYS must first demonstrate having worked consistently with the family for a reasonable period of time and having exhausted all community resources prior to bringing the petition to court. The kinds of services that are used to avoid unnecessary court action include: consistent meetings at OYS, mental health services, family counseling, school meetings, parent support services, after school supervision/activities and appropriate home based consequences. If the adolescent continues to run away/refuse to cooperate with curfew throughout this process, a CHINS petition may be considered. Please see informational brochure for more information.

It is easy to see why people would think that there is a ‘CHINS Program’ at the City of Manchester Office of Youth Services. The truth is that ‘there is NO CHINS Program.’ When people are talking about CHINS, they are referring to a legal petition that can be filed by OYS on behalf of parents. CHINS stands for CHild In Need of Supervision; The CHINS Petition is a kind of legal action available to parents whose children evidence unruly behavior. Manchester families are encouraged to use OYS to file CHINS Petitions because we are considered experts in writing a petition that will get families the help they need. Once a CHINS Petition is successfully filed, children are assigned a Juvenile Probation/Parole Officer (JPPO) from the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Division of Juvenile Justice Services. These JPPO’s are assigned to provide structure and services to children so that the unruly behavior discontinues.

If you think any child is being hurt, it is important to call the State of New Hampshire Department of Human Services Division of Children, Youth and Families intake center at 1-800-894-5533. You may call anonymously.

Please call Karen Lord, OYS Youth Counselor at (603) 624-6470 x105. Participants must be 16-20 yrs of age. The 10-hour program is offered once a month and the cost is $100. Participants must register themselves.