Function and Purpose of the
Kitsap County
Commission on Children and Youth
The Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth was established in 1988 by the Board of Commissioners by Resolution No. 172-1988. The Board acted on the recommendation of the local Youth 2000 Forum, whose participants were concerned about the rising rate of school dropout, a shrinking labor pool, and other youth-related problems.
The Commission's primary responsibilities are to:
- Advise the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners and residents on the needs of children, youth and families, based on periodic needs assessments.
- Facilitate the coordination of information and local services targeted to children and youth.
- Advocate for an environment which fosters healthy, self-sufficient, responsible and productive children, youth and families.
The Commission serves as a catalyst, or "broker," bringing together appropriate individuals and agencies to develop new programs and resources which meet identified needs.
Strategies for 2005–2007
- Kitsap Cares About Kids: Community awareness and fundraising campaign. Establishes funding partnerships with the public sector in pursuit of increasing developmental assets among youth.
- It’s Time for Kitsap Kids: Developmental asset initiative that builds community awareness of developmental assets and educates individuals on how to build assets in young people.
- National Youth Congress: Increases youth involvement in the work of the Commission and implements a positive youth development program that builds developmental assets.
The Commission's services include:
- Identification of unmet needs of children, youth and families.
- Development of appropriate responses to local needs, such as the "Take Time" parent education program and the Youth Recognition Program.
- Compilation of data and dissemination of information through a monthly newsletter, resource directories, etc.
- Community education and advocacy.
- Planning advice and assistance to agencies and community organizations, as appropriate.
Approximately 450 social service providers and school personnel receive information through the Commission's monthly newsletter, In the Works. Another 12,000-13,000 residents receive direct information through other publications and events.
Commission-initiated programs and services are largely targeted to at-risk children and youth. Its prevention efforts impact the entire community by reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect, youth violence, and other negative behaviors.
Planning services and activities are funded through the Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and the County general fund. Funding for the Youth Volunteer Program is through the County's 1/10 of 1% sales tax for crime prevention.
STAFF CONTACT
Gay Neal, Human Services Planner II
Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth
Phone: 360-337-4879 or 360-337-7185, Ext. 3531
FAX: 360-337-7187
