The Don Barnes Center (DBC) is dedicated to supporting adolescent unaccompanied children through a range of residential programs, community-based case management, family preservation services, and therapeutic interventions. We prioritize safety, support, and supervision while delivering evidence-based and trauma-focused services. Through Community-Based Education, Casey Life Skills, clinical support, and community integration, we foster positive outcomes and personal growth. Our commitment to unaccompanied children is rooted in creating a nurturing environment that promotes their well-being and future success.

The Parenting Education Program supports families and communities by teaching, modeling, and strengthening effective parenting skills through evidence-based, strength-based, and trauma-informed care. Designed for families with children from infancy to age 18 who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, conflict, or instability, the program offers short-term, intensive family and home-based interventions. Staff act as community liaisons, connecting families to essential services and supporting their progress. With a focus on preserving family unity, ensuring children’s safety, and reducing out-of-home placements, the program empowers parents to make better choices and create stable, nurturing environments for their children.

The VisionQuest Truancy Program supports children, youth, and families in Luzerne County by addressing school attendance challenges through three distinct models: Check and Connect, The PASS Program, and the Truancy Ongoing Program. Designed for K-12 students, the program helps eliminate barriers to school attendance, fostering pathways to graduation. Families and students may transition between models as needed, guided by a multidisciplinary team. The Truancy Ongoing Program provides additional support for families facing complex issues such as behavior or mental health concerns, substance use, or parent/child conflict, with staff offering weekly check-ins, court testimony, and detailed reporting to county agencies.

The FFT program provides specialized, family-focused treatment for youth aged 11-18 and their families, utilizing a strength-based, relational approach where all members feel respected and heard. Referrals often come from agencies like Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, and Mental/Behavioral Health. Functional Family Therapy (FFT) aims to engage and motivate families, reduce risk factors, enhance protective factors, and create sustainable behavior change through individualized plans. The program fosters positive relationships and equips families with the tools to utilize community resources, promoting long-term success and well-being.

The DE Umbrella Program provides comprehensive, statewide services for justice-involved youth aged 10-19 and their families. Services include Pre-Trial Case Management, Accountability (curfew/surveillance), Functional Family Therapy, Mentoring, and community-based interventions tailored to each youth’s criminogenic needs. Committed to fostering recovery, growth, and independence, the program equips youth with skills for successful adaptation to home, school, work, and community life. Guided by values of care, integrity, and dedication, the DE Umbrella Program works to reduce the likelihood of criminality and incarceration, empowering youth and families to build fulfilling, competency-driven futures.

The Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program provides safe and supportive housing for males and females aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or cannot live safely with parents or guardians. Each participant receives a furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment, with costs for rent, utilities, and a security deposit covered by the program, along with a weekly allowance. Through individualized case management, life skills training, and goal-setting, the program helps youth achieve self-sufficiency by pursuing education, securing employment, and mastering essential life skills. SIL focuses on leveraging familial and community strengths to support a successful transition to independent living and long-term stability.

The Outreach Prevention Program provides evidence-based services for youth aged 11-17 referred by Juvenile Probation and Children and Youth Services. By working directly with adolescents and their families in homes and schools, the program addresses issues identified through assessments and case plans, focusing on parenting, career guidance, and resource coordination. Parents are actively involved, and the program empowers families with strategies, skills, and knowledge to promote positive lifestyle choices, reduce out-of-home placements, and prevent further involvement with juvenile probation or child welfare systems. The goal is to help youth become positive, contributing members of their communities.

The Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) program is an innovative, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children and youth up to 18 years old. Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross, TBRI® focuses on connection, empowerment, and correction to address physical needs, attachment challenges, and fear-based behaviors. Rooted in attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, TBRI® equips caregivers, parents, and educators with practical tools to understand and nurture the “whole child.” By fostering trust and addressing the impact of early adversity, trauma, or toxic stress, the program aims to rebuild family bonds and help children reach their full potential.

VisionQuest’s Community-Based Prevention Program supports families and communities by addressing educational, medical, social, and emotional needs while enhancing parental involvement and family well-being. Designed to prevent child abuse, neglect, and family dependency on child welfare or juvenile probation services, the program provides advocacy, family support, and referrals to community resources. It also assists families experiencing homelessness or eviction in finding appropriate housing within their local community. By fostering collaborative relationships with schools and community partners, the program helps families build skills, expand social networks, and reduce risk factors, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families.

The Nurturing Parenting Education Program provides parenting education to parents of all ages who need support in developing effective caregiving skills. With a focus on respect and understanding, the program treats all parents equally, regardless of their reason for involvement. By equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to become the best caregivers possible, the program promotes the well-being and best interests of their children.