Families and Youth, Inc., (FYI) underlying philosophy is to build on family and individual strengths to preserve family ties whenever possible. FYI's approach to youth development is to empower the youth to increase personal assets and enhance coping/survival skills. A multi-systemic approach to providing services is utilized by the staff, emphasizing specific skill development. Individual cognitive behavioral therapy and strategic or structural family therapy are provided to the adolescent and their families based on their individual treatment plan.

FYI began as Children in Need of Services (CHINS, INC.,) on April 1977 under the leadership of Jose V. Frietze, LISW. To assess what services were needed, future State Representative Antonio Lujan, LISW, wrote a conceptual white paper and introduced the concept of a program based on the Salvador Minuchin Model of Family Therapy. Using this model, the CHINS approach focused on the participation of the entire family to enhance the possibility of a child's success. This model was adopted for statewide implementation of CHINS Services.

As a result of elections in New Mexico, a new Governor was elected in 1984. That Governor proceeded to eliminate all funding for CHINS programs statewide. This sudden and dramatic change in funding forced CHINS, Inc., to re-examine its organizational structure and its focus. CHINS, Inc. was on the verge of closing down and the staff members who remained chose to make this challenge an opportunity. Collectively they decided to rename the agency Families & Youth, Inc., (FYI). A mission statement was developed and a new assertive attitude surfaced among the FYI staff.

Families and Youth, Inc.

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