HISTORY

Focus on Youth, Inc. was co-founded on February 5, 1992 by the Executive Director, Cindy Skinner.  The agency was certified by the state of Ohio in May of 1992.  Cindy, having been a protective case worker with Hamilton County DJFS as well as an adoption worker, foster parent, and adoptive parent, was discouraged with the number of youth entering residential treatment.  She felt children would do better if foster parents were trained to work with the unique needs of youth in care and educated to remain committed to the placement. 

Involved in providing professional training to numerous child welfare agencies, including the Ohio Family Care Association, the National Foster Parent Association, various PCSA organizations, and day care centers, Cindy determined it was time to open Focus on Youth, Inc. as an agency committed to safety, stability, and permanency for youth in foster care.  As a natural extension of services to youth and families as well as to encourage and promote adoption of foster children, Focus on Youth, Inc. added the adoption services function to its programs in 1996. 

At this time, Focus on Youth, Inc. has worked with more than 1200 youth.  Our philosophy is simple: we believe that kids grow best in families, that kids need foster families that won't give up on them, and foster parents are key players in the success of youth in care.  That is why we provide strong support, professional training, and effective treatment interventions for the foster parents of the children we serve.

The foster families of Focus on Youth are not only committed to the children but also to the high standards employed by the agency and exemplified by quality services.  Foster families actively recruit friends and family to come on board as new foster parents and volunteers . . . friends and family members they know and trust who understand and value the high standards Focus on Youth, Inc.  delivers.