COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Commission on Children and Youth Advisory Board

Request For Proposal  
Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth Request For Proposal, Kitsap Cares About Kids Positive Youth Development Out of School Programs or Services for the time period May 15, 2008 - December 31, 2008.  Proposals are due no later than Wednesday, April 23, 2008 by 12:30 p.m.

2006 Kitsap Healthy Youth Report

Do you recognize this face?  The Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth (CCY) hope you will after completion of their upcoming print campaign to support local youth.  Sponsored by CCY, the goal of “Kitsap Cares About Kids” is to generate more awareness of the needs of local youth.  The first phase of the project is to collect forty stories from across the county, featuring them on their website and in the Kitsap Sun.  According to project co-chair Patty Lent “by inviting businesses, organizations and individuals to submit their stories we will be able to show the diverse and wonderful ways we are helping children and youth around the county – and they will inspire us to do even more.” 

The intention of “Kitsap Cares About Kids” is not just about donating money to youth programs – but it’s about inspiring people to engage with children and youth in hundreds of different ways.  It makes a difference to the kids – and to those who show they care.  And ultimately it makes a difference to the type of community we live in.

To register or submit a story to “Kitsap Cares About Kids” go to http://www.kitsapcaresaboutkids.org or call 360-337-4879. 

We Value Kids Award
Award Nomination: Who is making a positive difference in the lives of young people around you? The Kitsap County Children and Youth Commission recognizes individuals in our community who advocate on behalf of children and whose commitment to the Commission's values enables our young people to develop towards their full potential.  The Commission values the input of our community and welcomes nominations for the "We Value Kids" Award.  Please complete the following form to nominate someone in our community who is making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

Nomination Form: Fax to Gay Neal at (360) 337-7187 or e-mail to Gay at gneal@co.kitsap.wa.us.

FUNCTION/PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH

The Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth was established in 1988 by the Board of Commissioners by Resolution No. 172-1988.  The Board acted on the recommendation of the local Youth 2000 Forum, whose participants were concerned about the rising rate of school dropout, a shrinking labor pool, and other youth-related problems.

 

The Commission's primary responsibilities are to advise the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners and residents on the needs of children, youth and families, based on periodic needs assessments; to facilitate the coordination of information and local services targeted to children and youth; and to advocate for an environment which fosters healthy, self-sufficient, responsible and productive children, youth and families.

 

The Commission serves as a catalyst, or "broker," bringing together appropriate individuals and agencies to develop new programs and resources which meet identified needs.

Current activities focus on developing programs and resources which;

• better serve youth in areas such as recreation, child abuse, and juvenile crime prevention
• increase community awareness around the impacts of media on children and the benefits of family friendly business policies and practices
• recognize youth who make significant contributions to the community

Youth Commission services include:

• identification of unmet needs of children, youth and families
• development of appropriate responses to local needs, such as the "Take Time" parent education program and the Youth Recognition Program
• compilation of data and dissemination of information through a monthly newsletter, resource directories, etc.
• community education and advocacy
• planning advice and assistance to agencies and community organizations, as appropriate.

Approximately 450 social service providers and school personnel receive information through its monthly newsletter, In the Works.  Another 12,000-13,000 residents receive direct information through other publications and events.

Commission-initiated programs and services are largely targeted to at-risk children and youth. Its prevention efforts impact the entire community by reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect, youth violence, and other negative behaviors.

Planning services and activities are funded through the Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and the County general fund.  Funding for the Youth Volunteer Program is through the County's 1/10 of 1% sales tax for crime prevention.

STAFF CONTACT

Gay Neal, Human Services Planner II (Commission on Children & Youth)
Phone: (360) 337-4879 or (360) 337-7185, Ext. 3531
FAX: (360) 337-7187