LIAFS exists as a resource for Long Island’s at-risk youth and families by providing a safe and supportive environment that fosters growth, stability and independence. Our mission is to reunite families while offering support to ensure lasting stability and success.
Long Island Adolescent and Family Services (LIAFS) is a not-for-profit agency that offers three programs:
- QRTP Group Homes for youth ages 5 to 21
- CFTSS Services (“New Heights”) for Nassau and Suffolk County foster care eligible youth, including PSR, CPST and OLP
- Care Management Services for Nassau and Suffolk County Medicaid eligible youth and families
Learn more about our programs or download our program flyer (PDF).
LIAFS was founded by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers from Middle Country School District who were concerned about the lack of local resources for children who were victims of child abuse and neglect. The Community House SAFEHOUSE, constructed with volunteer labor and materials with participation of the Seabees, was the prototype for additional homes LIAFS opened in Ridge (1990), Stony Brook (1997) and Port Jefferson Station (2000). Since the first home opened in 1988, LIAFS has grown from a small localized agency designed to serve the Selden-Centereach community to a regional resource serving Long Island.
In 2005, LIAFS was approved by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to begin a new program offering intensified, specialized services to youth and children in our Stony Brook and Centereach Residences. In 2007, in partnership with NYS, OCFS and the New York State Department of Health (DOH), LIAFS was approved to begin a Supportive\Mental Health Counseling Program. In 2010, LIAFS in partnership with Suffolk County Department of Labor started a program (SWEP) for those unemployed in our county in need of job training, increasing employability.
LIAFS serves a maximum of 42 children at one time in our four community-based sites with approximately 400 youth and families served annually. Since its inception LIAFS has served over 5,000 youth and their families.
As a community-based organization, LIAFS is keenly aware of both the responsibility and benefits of encouraging community involvement. To this end, our Board of Directors is comprised of Professionals from our surrounding communities.
In 2012, LIAFS began a new initiative known as Family First. This effort offers specialized services to children and their families, with a primary goal of family reunification
LIAFS’ LICENSING
LIAFS is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. LIAFS is contracted with both Suffolk County and Nassau County Department of Social Services and is approved to provide Respite Services by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). LIAFS is approved by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) for providing all medical services. LIAFS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is contracted with the Health Home, The Collaborative for Children and Families (CCF), to provide Care Management services.
