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1. What is relocation assistance?

When a residential property in Bristol has been condemned upon inspection by a governmental agency, such as the Health Department or Building Department, the residents residing lawfully in the property may be eligible for cash assistance. The assistance covers only the cost of the differential between the rent or mortgage that was being paid and the new rent. The new residence must meet building and health codes and pass an inspection. An application for assistance is to be completed at the Community Services office. There is a time limit and a financial cap on the assistance.

2. How is the City of Bristol involved in evictions?

According to state mandate, the City of Bristol is to store the household goods left behind after the eviction occurs. A fee is charged daily for the storage of the items. Items that are not claimed by the evicted person within 15 days may be sold by the city at a public auction to recover any costs the city may have incurred.

3. Is there a State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) office in Bristol?

No. Bristol residents must use the state office located at 30 Christian Lane in New Britain, CT. The City of Bristol community services coordinator can assist adults, who do not have school age children, with completing SNAP applications, medical applications or cash assistance applications. Also, information about Medicare and assistance with completing Medicare Savings Program applications are available.

4. Is there still a Social Security office in Bristol?

No, there is no Social Security Office in Bristol. Call 877-619-2851 for information about the Hartford Office.
The Social Security Administration will now offer their new Video Service Delivery program at the Bristol Senior Center. This service will be available to Bristol residents every Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. People needing to speak with a Social Security employee will be able to do so. Video conferencing equipment has been set up at the Senior Center for residents so they can speak face to face with the Social Security employee. Appointments will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. This service is being made available as a result of the Social Security office closing back in January. The Bristol Senior Center is located at 240 Stafford Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010. For further information please call the Senior Center at (860)584-7895 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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1. What does Youth Services do?

The department delivers programs and services to strengthen the healthy functioning of families, empower youth to develop their skills, and promote youth as valued and contributing members of the community.

Youth Services centrally coordinates the comprehensive delivery of services and advocates for youth and their families. The department strives to enhance the networking and support between family, school, peer, and community environments.

Direct Services

• Information and Referral
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  Family Service Needs Assessment
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  Individual and Family Counseling
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  Outreach Support Services
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  Advocacy, Service Coordination, and Case Management
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  Positive Youth Development Groups
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  Educational Support Groups
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  Youth Employment Training
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  Cultural Enrichment Programs
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  Adventure-based and Experiential Education

Administrative Services

• Community Needs Assessment
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  Community Education and Involvement
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  Resource and Program Development
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  Advocacy

2. What programs do you offer?

Ten to sixteen (10-16) programs each year are designed to fill the gaps in services or enhance existing services. Services range in scope and focus.

Positive Youth Development group programs are designed to build skills and competencies of young people, nurture the pursuit of their goals and aspirations, and strengthen family, peer, school, and community connections. The Climbing Team, Peer Education, Dancing Stars, Skills to Pay the Bills, and Lunch Buddies are some of these programs offered annually.

Mental Health Services respond to youth and families who are experiencing emotional distress related to significant losses or trauma. Some of these services include family counseling, young men’s and young women’s issues groups, and Bananas Split Too!

Child welfare programs assist and empower families to meet basic needs and maintain a supportive family environment; these include application assistance and case management, Parent and Community Efforts (PACE), back-to-school supplies, and holiday gift giving coordination.

Programs aim to reduce barriers to accessing services such as financial hardship, lack of access to behavioral health providers, and lack of transportation. All of the program leaders continuously strive for cultural competency. Please see our program listing for seasonal offerings of programs.

3. Where are your services delivered?

Positive social development groups and educational support groups are offered in schools, neighborhoods and at the Youth and Family Services Conference Center located at 51 High Street. Counseling services are primarily hosted at the center. Home visits can be arranged based on need and available resources.

4. How do I sign up for counseling?

An advocate will take information over the telephone and research or recommend appropriate services available within the area. Youth Services may provide counseling services after exhausted all resources available to them have been exhausted. Youth Services is not a licensed mental health child guidance clinic and does not evaluate young people to determine a medical diagnosis.

5. Who is eligible to receive services?

Children and their guardians who reside in Bristol. Children must be under the age of 18 years or enrolled in a school program and under 21 years. Parents with children under the age of 5 years may be referred to an agency specializing in early childhood.

6. What is the cost?

There is no cost for Bristol residents.

7. How do I sign up for programs and service?

For groups and counseling, call and ask to speak with an advocate. For application assistance or coordination of welfare needs, ask to speak with the program assistant.

8. What is the Youth Commission?

The Youth Commission is an 11-member board made up of youth, consumers / parents, school, police, youth agency representatives, and a City Council liaison. Commission members are appointed by the City Council to study continuously the conditions and needs of youth and make recommendations to the mayor and the city council regarding the programs and policies available to serve those needs.