Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth-Landing Page

Commission on Children and Youth

Program Overview

In 1992, as a step towards improving state services for children, Washington State lawmakers officially established the Family Policy Council, charged with making social programs and policies more responsive to the needs of families. Community Public Policy Health and Safety Networks were established by the Legislature in 1994 - using Family Policy Principles - as a way to give communities a larger role by tackling their own social problems.

The Commission on Children and Youth became the local Community Public Health and Safety Network for Kitsap County in August of 2000. The Youth Commission supports activities that increase the capacity for the community to build developmental assets among youth. The Commission also serves as an advisory board to the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, and the Local Public Health and Safety Network. Learn more about the Commission on Children and Youth Advisory Board and how you can get involved.

Key Focus Areas

There are four key areas that the Youth Commission has identified as priorities to support and promote the development, health, and well-being of Kitsap County children and youth:

Child Abuse and Neglect
Youth Substance Abuse
Youth Engagement/Drop-Out Intervention
Youth Violence

News & Events

BIPOC mental health awareness month Normalize talking about mental health in Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) communities. July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Listening to and learning from BIPOC stories can increase awareness, break down barriers, and promote healing in individuals and communities. View a list of BIPOC mental health resources or visit Mental Health America to learn more.

guiding good choices virtual training opportunities

Join us for a free 5-week virtual training opportunity where you will learn how to promote healthy development, reduce risky behavior in teen years, and build family connections! Registration is now open and free. This training emphasizes strong family bonds as the key that motivates preteens to follow family guidelines and stay on a course toward better health and educational outcomes as teenagers. Scan the QR code above or email Aura DiJohn at adijohn@kitsap.gov to register today!

Classes offered virtually, via Zoom on Tuesdays from July 16, 2024 - August 20, 2024, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

2023 Healthy Youth Survey results offer signs of hope and resiliency among youth in Kitsap County and across the state! isit Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (askhys.net) to explore the survey data dashboard, propose new or modified survey questions for 2025.