Youth and Child resources cover three important categories; Health & Fitness, Support Services, and Education. Due to the large amount of programs throughout the County, we have listed only a portion of the programs and services with the intention that they give youth and parents a starting point for meeting their needs.

Parks & Recreation – Each City manages the parks and public recreation for all residents. Many cities offer a wide array of programs for youth; including Teen Centers, youth sports, and public and holiday events for families. There are also scholarships available for youth to participate in sports and lessons that charge a fee. Call the Parks & Recreation Dept. for more information.

• Atascadero Community Services Division (805) 470-3426
• Paso Robles Recreation Services (805) 237-3988
• San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation (805) 781-7300
• Arroyo Grande Recreation (805)473-5474
• Grover Beach Parks and Recreation (805) 473-4580
• Morro Bay Recreation and Parks (805) 772-6278
• Pismo Beach Recreation Division (805) 773-7063

Teen Centers provide after school activities and programming for youth after school. Teens Centers are also a good resource for connecting with other programs and resources for youth and families.

• Atascadero Teen Center – for youth in 7^th – 12^th grade call: (805) 470-3426
• Paso Robles/LifeBound Teen Center – ages 12 – 18 – James Statler at jstatler@capslo.org
• Templeton Youth Center – Contact Brandy Blackburn-Herndon at – (805) 434-4829
• YMCA Teen Program – North County (805) 239-3047

Counseling therapy can be an effective way to lessen emotional tension and instability for individuals and young adults. This is especially true for youth, who may be experiencing stress, depression, alcohol or other drug use. Reaching out to some of the many counseling resources available is an important first step toward prevention and early intervention.

• Young Adult Counseling Program – (805) 461-6080 for youth ages 16 – 22
• Community Counseling Center – North & South County (805) 543-7969
  • Counseling available for low income/sliding fee basis, North/South County.
• County Mental Health
  • Crisis Line in Atascadero (805) 461-6060
  • Crisis Line in San Luis Obispo (805) 781-4700
  • Request Counseling for Medi-Cal Recipients (800) 838-1381
• Goodtherapy.org – On-line resource for local private Counselors.

Youth intervention is generally a coordinated effort between parents, schools, or individuals involved with the youth. Parents and caretakers of children and youth can ask for assistance.  School personnel may also offer referrals to parents and caretakers for Family Advocate services which can include intervention efforts.  In San Luis Obispo County, the SAFE System of Care has been a leading source of intervention services for families, youth and children. You can find more information about SAFE in the Programs section of this website.

The SAFE System of Care

• In the Atascadero Unified School District Geographic Boundaries, Contact The LINK and ask to speak to a Family Advocate at (805) 466-5404.
• In Paso Robles Unified School District Geographic Boundaries, Contact Paso CARES at (805) 237-3421
• San Miguel Unified School District Geographic Boundaries, Contact the San Miguel Community Support Center at (805-712-5327
• South County SAFE for Lucia Mar Unified School District, Contact (805) 474-2134
• San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified Geographic Boundaries: Contact: 

County Probation Department – (805) 781-5300

• Offers prevention/intervention services for youth engaging in possible criminal activity or who have entered the court system.
• The Intensive Community Diversion Program – works with youth and families to keep them out of the juvenile court system. Contact Probation for more details.