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

2023 Healthy Youth Survey results offer signs of hope and resiliency among youth in Kitsap County and across the state!

The statewide 2023 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) results are now available, representing the voices of over 217,000 Washington students in grades 6-12. The survey focuses on the health and wellbeing of young people. In 2023, students reported improved health behaviors and mental health along with increased social support. Read survey highlights here or visit Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (askhys.net) to explore the survey data dashboard, propose new or modified survey questions for 2025, learn about the survey process, access resources and find information on how to advocate for your child's school to participate in the next round.

For more information and additional resources visit Kitsap County's Substance Abuse and Prevention Services.