The mission of the Surry County Office on Youth is to enhance the quality of life for Surry County youth and families by effectively addressing youth concerns, assessing needs for services, increasing community collaboration and assistance in the establishment of effective programs for positive youth development.

The Office on Youth is advised by the Youth Services Citizen Board (YSCB) whose function is to advise the County and the Board of Supervisors regarding issues relating to youth and to provide opportunities for community involvement and input on youth concerns in Surry County.  The YSCB is comprised of one adult citizen from each of the five districts in the County and appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a four-year term and at least two youth representatives from the County's high school and middle school appointed for a one-year term.

Information and Referral - Individuals seeking information on a variety of youth related issues or services may contact the Office on Youth with their questions.  The department's goal is to provide accurate and timely information.  Resource information is also available through our Youth and Families Resource Directory.

Public Education - The department provides public education programs and educational materials through a variety of community events such as Family/Community Days, Youth Forums, "Let's Talk" Communication Dinners and through several parenting and fatherhood activities.

Printed Publications - The Office on Youth has developed brochures and other information for youth and adults on topics such as youths dealing with stress, positive attitudes, dating issues, safe driving, obtaining a job, volunteer opportunities, resource information for alcohol and drug issues, parenting information and teen help pamphlets with resource numbers.  Quarterly, we distribute a newsletter entitled Ideas for Parents provided by the Search Institutes which focuses on the 40 Developmental Assets.  We also provide a semi-annual S.C.O.O.Y. News which is a departmental newsletter that gives information about the programs provided by the Office on Youth.

Research - The Office on Youth collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates information about issues relating to youths in Surry County.  Research products include the Youth & Families Needs Assessment, Six-Year Comprehensive Plan, and the Youth and Families Resource Directory.  Information is updated periodically.  The department provides several programs that are researched based and have proven successful in reducing the risk for substance abuse among young people.  Some of these programs include:

Planning - The Surry County Office on Youth provides monitoring and coordination of the county's Comprehensive Service Act for At Risk Youth Program.  This program is inclusive of the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) and is committed to providing child-centered, family-focused, community-based services to children in the least restrictive environment.  The teams serve and advocate for intensive treatment services through a comprehensive, collaborative system of care.  It seeks to increase positive youth development, strengthen and preserve families, and promote safe and stable family units.

Collaborative Partnerships - The Office on Youth often serves as a collaborative partner and/or a key facilitator in working with other organizations to meet the needs of our youth.  The department has supported the following efforts: 

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