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

Join us for Hidden in Plain Sight

The Kitsap County Substance Abuse Prevention and Youth Services division are co-hosting HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT. Join us to learn about current trends impacting youth, how to recognize common warning signs and how to talk to youth about these important issues. Parents, caregivers, educators and other adults who work with youth are encouraged to attend.

Must be 21+ to attend. No registration or fee is required.

When: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Virtually, via Zoom – Hidden in Plain Sight Virtual event link

View or print the event flyer in English or Espanol.

2026 kitsap youth forum flyer with date and time

Join us Thursday, March 19, for the 2026 Kitsap Youth Forum at Olympic College, 1600 Chester Ave., Bremerton from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be local policy makers present to listen to youth ideas and concerns. Youth offerings of new and fresh perspectives will contribute to the creation of laws, rules, and regulations for the future. Register for the 2026 Youth Forum here, the event is free and open to everyone! View or print the event flyer.

________________________________________________________________________________________

2025 Programs that Prevent and Reduce the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) request for proposal (RFP). View the 2025 RFP funding awardees here.

Visit the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (askhys.net) to explore the survey data dashboard or take the 2025 survey when available this fall.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Check out the video below highlighting one of CCY projects - My Shoes, My Story