Youthnet : A Brief History
Youthnet Begins
Youthnet (founded as Skagit Ranch Group Homes) began in 1969 under the leadership of Susan Dynes Minton. Concerned citizens, representatives from the juvenile court, schools, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and other agencies joined together to create a structured living setting for teenagers that would bridge the gap between living at home and foster care or institutions. A group home for boys was established first followed by a group home for
girls in 1971.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Foster Care
In the late 1970’s, due a shift in State policy, Youthnet transferred the children in its group care facilities to Foster Care. Traditional foster care focuses on the restoration of families and includes licensing certification of foster parents, continuous support through care management, respite care, and ongoing foster care parent training. All of which are designed to promote expedited and successful reunifications. Over 50 years later, Youthnet now offers services to 15 WA State Counties.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Skagit Alternative School
Youthnet’s Skagit Alternative School first opened its doors to students in 1976. 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. From the beginning, Emerson provided services to youth in need of an alternative to the conventional high school setting. Emerson High School remained open through 2021.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Oasis Teen Shelter
Youthnet helped to establish Oasis Teen Shelter in 1997, aimed at providing youth with a safe place to spend the night every day of the year. Youth might need to stay in a safe place overnight for a variety of reasons, such as family conflict, crisis, feeling unsafe at home, not having anywhere to go, or needing a healthy break from family. Operations of the shelter were transferred to the YMCA, who still provides this service today.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Contract-Based Learning
Emerson High School’s independent education program provided Contract Based Learning for students unable to participate in CORE programming. Students who were working, parenting, or unable to attend daily school hours had the ability to come once a week for 2 hours and perform additional studies from home. This program created a more flexible learning option, ensure that all participants had the opportunity to complete their education, regardless of their circumstances.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Independent Living Program
Youthnet began offering Indpendent + Transitional Living training to youth in care systems and at-risk families in 2000. The program continues to serve current and former foster youth, ages 15-23, to ensure successful transitions from adolescence to adulthood. Program participants are empowered to create individualized goals and to develop skills to support them in living a life of independence and success.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Supplemental Education Transition Planning
Supplemental Education Transition Planning (SETuP) helps foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth make the transition from high school to college, career, or service. SETuP's goal is to improve high school graduation rates and college planning by two percent each year over five school-year periods. Youthnet contracted with The Washington Student Achievement Council to offer this program from early 2000's to 2019.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Legacy of Caring Breakfast
In 2004, Youthnet held its first Legacy of Caring Breakfast, an opportunity to bring together staff, community members, and business partners to celebrate program success. For 20 years Youthnet has continued this tradition of bringing supporters and staff together to share a meal and celebrate together - like you are doing with us today! We look forward to continuing to share our growth with our community!
Youthnet : A Brief History
In-Home Services
Youthnet added in-home services programming in 2013. These evidence-based programs are utilized to improve family functioning, assists families with parenting strategies, advocacy skills, household management support, communication skills, community resources, crisis stabilization and counseling to prevent out-of-home placement of children and decrease safety concerns and conflict. All services are provided directly in a home based setting.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Therapuetic Foster Network
In 2017 Youthnet again began offering Therapeutic Foster Care programming to our services through the Behavior Rehabilitation Service program. This program works seamlessly with traditional foster care, giving foster families the option to work with both programs supporting kids of all ages. Programs are contracted with the State to license foster homes, match kids with families, and provide ongoing support and services.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Family Time
In 2019, Youthnet began to offer Family Time services as a way to provide supervised visitation for parents and children, as well as siblings who have been separated through care. Visit supervisors are contracted with DCYF to coordinate, transport children, supervise and provide documentation for family time.
Youthnet offers on site visitation rooms, equipped with toys, books, art supplies and a quiet area for babies to sleep. It is Youthnet’s goal to make parents' and children’s visitation experience successful, fun and safe.
Youthnet : A Brief History
El Sol Nace Para Todos
El Sol Nace Para Todos (The Sun Rises for All) began in 2019 as a parent education and support program for local Hispanic/Migrant families that is culturally and linguistically specific. ESNPT was born with the principal objective of producing a transformation in the Hispanic community of Skagit Valley, seeking strengthening and participation with the members as principal actors of their environment. Due to funding constraints, the program was closed at the end of 2023.
Youthnet : A Brief History
TFN + RISE
Beginning in 2019, Youthnet’s Behavior Rehabilitation Services partnered with Tif Junker, CEO of Extraordinary Parenting to train staff and families in the RISE (Relational Integrative Supportive Experiences) philosophy of care. RISE offers an intervention planning guide for children and youth with complex trauma, physical, or behavioral needs. The RISE philosophy of care builds hope, resilience and self healing communities, creating sustainable webs of support around children with complex trauma.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Housing Support Services
These services include both the Independent Youth Housing Program (IYHP) and the Housing Support Program, Foster Youth to Independence. IYHP provides rental assistance, related housing costs, and case management to eligible young adults, ages 18-24, who have been a dependent of the state or federally recognized tribal foster care system prior to age 18. The Housing Support Program provides case management supporting housing stability to young adults exiting from care, for up to 36 months.
Youthnet : A Brief History
Lifeset By Youth Villages
Launching in 2024, Youthnet is proud to offer programming through LifeSet, a partnership with Youth Villages. LifeSet is an individualized, evidence-informed community-based program that is highly intensive. LifeSet specialists meet with participants face to face at least once each week, working to help young people aging out of systems of care to build healthy relationships, obtain safe housing, education and employment.