About

History: The Youth Development Clinic was founded in 1958 as a private, nonprofit, 501(c) (3), by a consortium of Newark residents, the Prudential Insurance Company of America, and the Newark Board of Education.

Who are we? YDC’s focus is to provide services to children in schools and community-based settings. YDC works with pre-school through high school students with significant behavioral and emotional needs to stabilize their behaviors and foster learning. YDC also provides consultation to school staff in supporting and managing these students and effectively maximizing their educational attainment.

What is YDC’s mission? To attain effective personal, family, and community functioning by establishing healthy interactions among family members, in whatever form the family exists. Over time, YDC has adapted to changes in the community and in ways of delivering services most effectively, while maintaining service delivery models which continue to work. YDC established the Neighborhood Based Partnership Program 24 years ago in order to bring services to the neighborhoods where families in need of service lived and where children attended school, replacing clinic based fee for service outpatient psychiatric services. Through partnerships first with Newark schools, and later with Irvington, Hillside, and East Orange, YDC was able to achieve success and overcome barriers in reaching those most vulnerable children and families.

Who do we serve? YDC’s clients include children from birth to age 18. We also see family members and other caregivers of the children who are referred. We provide services to children in schools and in community-based settings. 87% of YDC’s clients are at or below the federal poverty level standards. YDC staff also consult and train allied colleagues, teachers, superintendents, medical doctors, and case workers.

Consultation.Evaluation.Counseling- download printable brochure (pdf)

Strengthening Children and their Families- download printable brochure (pdf)