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

The Kitsap County Substance Abuse and Prevention Services program is co-hosting HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.

Indicators of teen drug use, mental health concerns, unhealthy relationships and other risk factors can be hidden in plain sight. Join us to learn about current trends, warning signs and how to talk to youth about these issues. Walk through a mock teen bedroom and participate in a discussion and presentation about identifying risky teen behaviors, local youth trends and navigating the teen years. Parents, Caregivers, Educators and other adults who work with youth are encouraged to attend.

Must be 21+ to attend. No registration is required; refreshments will be provided.

Two event dates and locations to choose from.

May 21: Marcus Whitman Middle School, 1887 Madrona Drive SE, Port Orchard, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., view the flyer
May 22: Bainbridge High School, 9330 High School Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., view the flyer

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.

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