LIVERMORE FALLS – Selectmen agreed to support a program to help reduce juvenile delinquency and youth violence in the greater Franklin County area but declined a request for $15,000 to help fund after-school and school-based programs.

Selectman Russell Flagg made the motion to support the efforts of Evergreen Behavioral Services but said the town was unable to fund it at this time.

The first step to seek grant money from the state to expand the two programs is to seek funding and support through the local governments, Sharon Neil, program manager for those agency services, said Thursday.

She sent out letters to towns in the four school systems participating in the programs – SAD 9, Jay, SAD 58 and SAD 36 – asking for financial assistance, and if that could not be provided, she requested a letter of support. The financial request is based on the number of children from each town taking part in the programs.

The agency, which provides mental health services, wants to try to reduce delinquency and youth violence by working with youth and their families to develop effective knowledge and skills to foster healthy relationships while supporting the growth and development of productive and responsible citizens.

Neil said youth violence in the greater Franklin County area has increased over the past 10 years.

The community needs to offer a comprehensive program that meets the needs of the youth and reduces involvement in high-risk activities, Neil said.

The agency offers an after-school program that focuses on conflict resolution and assertiveness skills. The staff’s goals are to increase students’ ability to work through times of conflict in and outside of school. The program began in 2002 and has grown each year, Neil said.

With the support of the grant, the after-school program would implement a model life-skills program proven successful in preventing delinquency and youth violence, she said.

During the course of the academic year, the after-school program provides group therapy for children ages 8 to 15 from 2 to 6 p.m, Monday through Thursday at Western Mountains Renaissance School in Wilton. The daily average attendance is 15 students and the agency would like to increase attendance with the grant.

The second piece of the grant would help expand school-based programs that provide therapy services one-on-one to students, Neil said.

The total budget for both programs is $308,100, she said.

“Our goal is to work with students who have a need,” Neil said.

They are hoping to increase services at the schools, she said.

Last year, SAD 9 in the Farmington area and Jay schools participated in the agency’s school-based services.

This year, the agency has added services in schools in SAD 36 in the Livermore Falls area and SAD 58 in the Kingfield area, she said.