Parents and Kids

Whether it’s fighting childhood obesity, promoting video game ratings, encouraging young people not to drink or smoke, or keeping kids safe, Westchester County has programs these tackle issues through education and prevention or enforcement.

Fit Kids, an anti-obesity program, works with schools to help encourage young people to eat healthier and get more physical activity. Other programs deal with preventing youth violence and gangs, Internet safety, the dangers of steroids and stopping sexual abusers. The county, though the Office of Stop-DWI, has a comprehensive campaign to deter underage drinking, binge drinking and distracted driving. Programs in the Department of Health focus on a variety of health and lifestyle issues including anti-smoking.

Rx For Success: Dare to be a Doctor is a program targeted to motivated minority and disadvantaged students in middle and high school who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. Students interested in future workshops or information sessions should submit their e-mail address in order to receive notifications.

For young people at risk, Westchester County’s Youth Bureau has programs to help raise self-esteem and provide enrichment and academic support. We also piggyback on New York state efforts to educate parents and kids on such problems as video game addiction. Recent studies show that the effects of violent video games adversely affect children's behavior.

Parents and students alike need to understand the different college financing options available. View video segments from the April 2008 college loan conference.

And for everyone, the county has many programs at the county's parks.