These resources provide guidance on critical elements and standards for providing services to youth.
Child, Youth, and Family Services
Health Standards Organization
Offers standards for programs and services for children, youth, and families with a specific focus on quality care for children involved with the child welfare system.
National Children’s Alliance’s Standards for Accredited Members
National Children’s Alliance
Explores the standards for accredited members for children’s advocacy centers to ensure children and youth receive consistent services that are supported by evidence.
Standards for Child and Youth Development (CYD) Programs
Council on Accreditation
Presents standards for early childhood education, after school programs, and youth development programs that aim to help children and youth thrive.
Standards for Quality Youth Development Programs (PDF - 644 KB)
Detroit Youth Development Alliance and Youth Development Resource Center (2018)
Offers a guide on how to develop positive relationships for children and youth and presents research on best practices for engaging and involving youth to help them thrive.
Youth Services Policy (PDF - 748 KB)
West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families (2021)
Describes child-centered and family focused policies for youth services in West Virginia, which have the aim of strengthening family functioning while assuring adequate protection for the child, family, and community.