In collaborative community partnerships, Youth Health Services promotes the health and learning readiness of children, youth, and young adults in King County by supporting health promotion efforts and assuring access to high-quality, coordinated health and preventive services.

The primary goal of Youth Health Services is to ensure that high-quality, coordinated, and comprehensive health services are available to youth and young adults throughout King County. Adolescents (young people ages 10-19) utilize health care services less than any other age group and are least likely to seek medical care at a provider's office. In addition, the majority of behavioral patterns that pose lifelong health risks begin in adolescence. Youth Health Services provides services and education to reduce risk behaviors among adolescents.

Youth Health Services:

• Develops, coordinates, and supports adolescent-focused services and programs.
• Promotes adolescents' healthy development by providing them with the skills, information, and health resources necessary for academic and personal success.
• Assesses the health needs and resources of youth and young adults in order to formulate policy and develop programs.
• Advocates within the public health system for the needs of youth when making key decisions, allocating resources, and developing programs.
• Works in partnership with local governments, schools, social service and health organizations.