About Youth Services
Polk County Youth Services provides an array of programs to the community and families in transition or crisis situations. A division of Polk County Community, Family & Youth Services, the Youth Services Division is an "umbrella" linking varied services to meet the diverse needs of youth in crisis.
Programs for youth and support of families are key components of the philosophy at Polk County Youth Services. Located in Des Moines, on-campus residential facilities as well as non-residential programs for youth are provised. This array of services simply means that Youth Services meets the differing needs of youth in a variety of programs.
Who Uses Youth Services?
Youth and their families become involved in Youth Services in the following ways:
- Court orders involving a Juvenile Court Officer
- Court order involving a Department of Human Services Social Worker
- Law enforcement agency.
Youth cannot enter Youth Services in any other way. It is not a drop-off facility the public can use without going through the law enforcement system.
Programs:
Youth Services consists of an array of programs designed to meet the different needs of youth and families. Those arriving at the campus may be youth in need of assistance, or they may be youth who have been accused of breaking the law.
Funding:
Funds to support Youth Services programs are provided by:
- Polk County
- State of Iowa
- Federal Government
- Grants from Private and Public Foundations
- Community Donations
Please visit our Services/Programs > Youth Services > Youth Programs for more information.