Youth and Family Services

In August of 1996, Elk City Youth and Family Programs (ECYFP) was created by the City of Elk City in response to the escalating problem of juvenile crime and juvenile gang activity. Through the development and implementation of intervention and diversionary programs, juvenile delinquency has been reduced dramatically over the years. Partnerships with the Elk City Public Schools, the Juvenile Court, Law Enforcement, and the Office of Juvenile Affairs have contributed to the significant decline in juvenile crime in Elk City.

The staff at ECYFS continually strives to develop and implement innovative opportunities by responding to the needs of the community. Partnerships, entities, and volunteers benefit from ongoing programs, events and policies created to strengthen families through prevention, intervention, and education.

• 1997 – Present, Teen Court: Provides a way for youth who are first time offenders to learn from their peers and clear their record through restorative justice. This is done by promoting feelings of self-worth, encouraging self-improvement and demonstrating a healthy attitude toward authority and the community.
• 2001 – Present, RISE Program / Buck’s Lodge Lunch Cafe: Is a nationally recognized youth job-training program. Youth who complete the RISE program have an opportunity to gain work experience in the Buck’s Lodge Lunch Café where customer interaction, work ethics and confidence are put into action. The not-for-profit Café is open to the public and provides a menu easily prepared by the youth-in-training.
• 2000 – Present, Counseling: A Licensed Professional Counselor is available to meet with youth individually or with family members.
• 2015 – Present, Community Garden: The Elk City Community Garden is an opportunity to grow healthy, nutritious foods! Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to grow a plot!

• 1996 – 1997, Kids & Cops: A police mentoring program, unites volunteer police officers with 5th and 6th graders who are exhibiting risky behaviors. The officer meets with the student each month and participates in a recreational outing designed as a reward for positive behaviors.
• 1998 – 1999, Juvenile Drug Court: Established with a grant from the National Drug Court Office. Youth with substance abuse offenses are referred into the year-long program that incorporates substance abuse treatment, drug testing, family support and weekly court appearances.
• 1999 – 2000, Rural Gang Initiative: Through a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Elk City was selected to do a year-long assessment of how juvenile gangs evolve in rural community.
• 2001 – Present, RISE Program / Buck’s Lodge Lunch Cafe: Is a nationally recognized youth job-training program. Youth who complete the RISE program have an opportunity to gain work experience in the Buck’s Lodge Lunch Café where customer interaction, work ethics and confidence are put into action. The not-for-profit Café is open to the public and provides a menu easily prepared by the youth-in-training.
• 2000 – Present, Counseling: A Licensed Professional Counselor is available to meet with youth individually or with family members.
• 2015 – Present, Community Garden: The Elk City Community Garden is an opportunity to grow healthy, nutritious foods! Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to grow a plot!