Inwood Community Services, Inc.,  651 Academy St, New York, NY 10034,  (212) 942-0043

Child and Family Prevention and Wellness Program

An OASAS-designated Primary and Direct Prevention Program funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) serving children, adolescents, and parents/caregivers.

The Child and Family Prevention and Wellness Program offers parenting classes, youth counseling (for ages 10-24), and youth groups (for ages 10-18) to reduce the risk of children and adolescents developing problem behaviors, substance misuse, and mental illness.

Parenting skills taught:

  • Appropriate and effective use of discipline
  • Building and strengthening the parent-child bond
  • Coping with stress as a parent
  • Having important conversations with your child
  • Improving communication with your child
  • Increasing positive behaviors while managing difficult ones

Youth skills taught:

  • Emotional fluency
  • Goal-setting
  • Organization
  • Resisting peer pressure
  • Social skills
  • Stress management

Services offered:

  • Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: a 2-hour parenting discussion group held one evening per week for 4-5 weeks;
  • Teen Intervene: a brief individual counseling intervention to reduce substance use in youth ages 10-24;
  • Girls Circle and Boys Council: social skills and violence-prevention groups for children ages 10-18;
  • One-time educational workshops about youth behavioral health or substance misuse, delivered in school settings to students or parents or to school staff as professional development;
  • Second Step: a 22-week social-emotional learning (SEL) group for elementary school children, delivered in after school settings;
  • Support for Students Exposed to Trauma: a group for youth ages 10-18 to learn how to manage distress resulting from trauma.

Contact Information

For more information, contact:

Michelle Maldonado, MHC-LP
Unit Director
(212) 942-0043 x135

Latest News


Active Parenting Skills Group: Parents of Children Ages 5–12

Build strong foundations during the early years

  • Group 1 – SPANISH: Tuesdays | September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28 | 6:00 PM
  • Group 2 – ENGLISH: Thursdays | September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 6:00 PM
  • Group 3 – ENGLISH: Tuesdays | November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9 | 6:00 PM
  • Group 4 – SPANISH: Thursdays | November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18 | 6:00 PM

Designed for parents of younger children, this group focuses on fostering healthy routines, managing behavior positively, and creating lasting connections with your child. Learn practical strategies that work while connecting with other parents who understand your journey. Plus: Dinner, a certificate of completion, and a gift card are provided!


Active Parenting Skills Group: Parents of Teens

Strengthen your connection and communication with your teenager

  • Group 1 : Wednesdays | September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 6:00 PM
  • Group 2 : Wednesdays | November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10 | 6:00 PM

Parenting teens comes with unique challenges, and this group will equip you with practical tools to improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and guide your teenager through life’s ups and downs. Connect with other parents facing similar experiences in a supportive, understanding environment. Bonus: Dinner, a certificate of completion, and a gift card are included!


Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Ages 0–12

Evidence-based support for parents and caregivers

  • Schedule: Wednesdays | September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22 | 6:00 PM | 5 sessions

The Positive Parenting Program provides comprehensive support for parents and caregivers of children from birth to 12 years old. This evidence-based program offers multiple levels of support, from practical information to targeted interventions, helping you develop confident, effective parenting strategies that work for your family’s unique needs.


SSET Group (Support for Student Exposed to Trauma)

Healing and resilience for middle and high school students

  • Schedule: Wednesdays | October 29 – January 14 | 10 sessions (minus holidays)

SSET is a specialized, skills-based group intervention designed for middle and high school students who have been exposed to trauma and are experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Students who have experienced community or family violence, natural disasters, abuse, or traumatic separation from a loved one will learn valuable coping skills including emotional regulation, relaxation techniques, challenging negative thoughts, problem-solving, and processing traumatic memories. Through supportive group activities and guided practice, students develop tools to reduce anxiety and depression while improving their social and academic functioning.


Girls Circle

Building confidence and resilience in a safe, supportive environment

  • Schedule: Fridays | October 3 – December 12 | 5:00 PM weekly | 10 weeks

This strengths-based group is designed specifically for girls to foster connection, build self-esteem, and develop resilience. Participants will explore identity, relationships, and decision-making skills in a supportive virtual space where their voices are heard and valued. Girls will develop lasting friendships while learning tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.


Boys Council

Developing healthy masculine identity and community leadership

Schedule: Thursdays | January 30 – April 17 | 5:00 PM | 10 weeks
(No sessions March 20 and April 3)

The Council for Boys and Young Men® creates a supportive space where boys and youth who identify with male development can explore healthy and diverse masculine identities. Participants develop skills to become respectful leaders and connected allies in their communities, learning to navigate relationships, express emotions in healthy ways, and build positive connections with peers and mentors.


Teen Intervene (SBIRT Model)

Confidential support for teens navigating substance use concerns

  • Available: All weekdays after school (ongoing enrollment)

This caring, brief intervention program provides screening, short-term counseling, and referrals for teens who may be exploring or engaging in risky substance use behaviors. Our trained professionals create a judgment-free space where teens can get the support they need. Incentives are provided for youth who complete 3–6 sessions, and immediate start dates are available.


Health Promotion & Pro-Social Activities

Fun, educational events for the whole family

Monthly Events Throughout the Year: All events at 6:00 PM

  • September: Friday 9/26
  • October: Thursday 10/30
  • November: Wednesday 11/13
  • December: Friday 12/19, Thursday 12/26
  • January: Friday 1/9, Friday 1/16, Thursday 1/23
  • April: Thursday 4/24
  • May: Friday 5/8, Friday 5/15, Thursday 5/22
  • June: Friday 6/5, Friday 6/12, Thursday 6/26

Join us for engaging community events designed to promote health and wellbeing for families and children throughout our community! These interactive gatherings combine valuable health information with fun activities that bring families together. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families, learn something new, and enjoy quality time in a supportive community setting.

Programs Available in Both English and Spanish!

We’re proud to offer our parenting programs in both English and Spanish to better serve our diverse community. Everyone deserves access to quality family support in the language they’re most comfortable with.

Ready to Get Started?

These programs fill up quickly because families in our community know the value of investing in their relationships and well-being. Don’t wait—secure your family’s spot today!

To register or learn more, contact our team:

Unit Director: Michelle Maldonado – MichelleM@inwoodcs.org
Admin. Assistant: Bianca Bravo – BiancaB@inwoodcs.org
Facilitator: Camila Peguero Peralta – CamilaP@inwoodcs.org
Facilitator: Shanelly Lopez – ShanellyG@inwoodcs.org
[Phone Number]: (212) 942-0043

Remember, every single program is completely FREE—because we believe that access to quality family support shouldn’t depend on your ability to pay.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our community of families committed to growth, connection, and positive change