OUR VISION
To provide community leadership in building a foundation for healthy individuals and families for a stronger community
OUR MISSION
To promote partnerships between individuals, families and community-based organizations in order to develop innovative programs that support the building of productive and sustaining lifestyles within communities
OUR HISTORY
In our 35+ years of service to youth and families, Youthnet has grown with the changing needs of our community. Youthnet believes strongly in the value and importance of the family unit as the foundation and future of our society. We have developed into a multi-county, multi-service agency in answer to the increasing needs of troubled youth and families in conflict, as well as the dramatic need for prevention and early intervention programs.
Youthnet began in 1969 when realizing the need for a structured setting for teenagers that would bridge the gap between living at home, foster care and institutions. A group of concerned citizens joined with representatives from the juvenile court, schools, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and other agencies to develop a group home for boys; A group home for girls followed in 1971. In the late 1970’s Youthnet started its first foster homes and in 1976, Youthnet's Skagit Alternative School first opened its doors to students. In 1993, the students and staff elected to change the name of their school to Emerson High School, to honor Ralph Waldo Emerson and his philosophy on education. In 1997, Youthnet transferred the children in its group care facilities to therapeutic foster care. Also in 1997, Youthnet helped to establish the Oasis Teen Shelter, which is now a separate non-profit agency located on the first floor of the old Youthnet main office building.
In February 2000, Youthnet was awarded the Independent Living Services contract from the Washington State Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for Skagit County. As a result of this program’s initial success, Youthnet was awarded contracts to provide independent living services to foster youth in Snohomish, Whatcom, and Island Counties, and to youth referred by the Swinomish Tribal Community and the Skagit County Youth and Family Service’s Truancy and A.R.I.S. programs (At-Risk Intervention Specialists). Youthnet also received a grant from the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect to provide independent living skills and parent education training to pregnant and parenting youth in Skagit County.
Today, Youthnet’s programs include Treatment-based Foster Care, the Independent Living and Independent Living Parent Education Programs, Parent Support Program, Family Preservation Services, the Skagit County Truancy Class, and Emerson High School.
page updated 20081006