Our Mission
To strengthen youth and families and to prevent and reduce the incidence of delinquency, neglect, and abuse through community involvement.
Background History
In 1953, Oakland County Youth Assistance was founded by a group of Hazel Park citizens and Juvenile Court Judge Arthur Moore to assist troubled youth within their communities. Over the next 20 years, it expanded throughout the county and now encompasses 26 local affiliates.
The Novi Youth Assistance local chapter was founded in 1957 by what was then the Township of Novi to focus on the enrichment of Novi’s youth through a variety of programs and community offerings. All services are provided to Oakland County residents free of charge and the participation of youth and their family is always voluntary and confidential.
Did You Know?
92% of families who received Youth Assistance casework services did not have any additional court contact.
Sponsors
All local Youth Assistance offices of Oakland County Youth Assistance were formed with a unique tri-sponsorship agreement between the municipalities, the Board of Education contained within each school district, and the Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division. Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division provides a local caseworker to provide professional counseling and referral services.
Novi Youth Assistance is supported by Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division, the City of Novi, and the Novi Community School District.
Funding & Support
Novi Youth Assistance operates under the sponsorship and financial support of Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division, the City of Novi, and the Novi Community School District. The City of Novi and the Novi Community School District are responsible for NYA operation and programmatic expenses, and both entities are also represented on our Board of Directors.
NYA also receives additional funding support from grants, individual donors, and local fundraising efforts.
Board of Directors & Committees
Learn more about the dedicated Board Members, Committee Chairs, Task Members, and Office Staff that are the heart of Novi Youth Assistance.
FAQs
NYA is the only locally based organization that provides short-term, low-cost counseling services to youth 17 years or younger and their families. NYA accepts referrals from the Court’s Family Division Intake Unit, school counselors and teachers, police departments, and parents who have concerns about their child.
Casework service eligibility is determined based on school district boundaries, as opposed to city address. Therefore, students must be a Novi Community School District student in order to receive casework services. All other NYA programs solely serve families based on residency in the city of Novi.
Anyone can volunteer for NYA after completing the application process. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more and see current volunteer opportunities.
Referrals are typically received from schools, police, or parents who are concerned about the behavior of a young person. Typical reasons for referral include school and home problems, substance abuse, retail fraud, and violations of local ordinances. To refer a child to Novi Youth Assistance, please complete the Referral Form, then submit your completed form to us.
Board meetings are generally held at 6:00pm on the second Monday of every month at the Novi Civic Center and are open to the public. Date and time may vary based on the school calendar. You can always call the office to confirm the date and time of the next board meeting.
Monetary donations are graciously accepted online or by check mailed to or dropped off at our office (24062 Taft Road, Novi, MI 48375). We also accept in-kind donations for programs, special events, raffles, and prizes. You will receive a receipt for documentation purposes. Learn more about ways to Get Involved to help support NYA’s mission. We appreciate your generosity!