Many programs for at-risk youth are inadequate. While they provide help for troubled young people, the results are often temporary, and children eventually return to the system or are bounced from residential treatment centers to foster homes and back again.

Years ago, we discovered that while we could achieve some success with a child during a stay in one of our residential treatment programs, things would often fall apart once the child returned home.

Through a deliberate process of research, evaluation and education, we realized that we needed to consider the child’s home environment, work with families to draft a permanency plan, and start from day one to make sure each child and family were working towards long-term success.

We also pledged to do whatever it takes to help the children and families we serve live successfully, through program innovation, treatment adjustments and investing in research and evaluation.

The result of this strategy – newly adopted treatment philosophies, and a broader approach to child welfare – has been dramatic.

Success rates have doubled, the cost of treatment has fallen, and the number of children in the system has declined.

Outcome Driven Approach
Our approach is outcome-driven and we have years' worth of data to document our success.

Our Stories
We get results. Learn more through our success stories.

Research
Youth Villages was one of the first social service organizations to develop a robust, in-house research operation.

Accolades
Youth Villages has been repeatedly recognized as an innovator in child welfare.

Solutions for States
For almost a quarter century, Youth Villages has successfully partnered with state agencies to provide services for children involved with the child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health systems.