Our Mission:
The mission of the Family & Youth Services Bureau is to support children and families as they encounter the various tasks, circumstances and challenges of life - so that children have the opportunity to become capable, responsible and contributing members of the community and families have the means to effectively assist in that process.

Moreover, the agency will encourage the community to nurture and care for all of its children.

The Family & Youth Services Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization. Programs are staffed by experienced professionals whose training is typically in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or Education. The agency will not refuse service to any one because of an inability to pay; nor will the Family & Youth Services Bureau discriminate in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual preference, national origin or handicap.

Family & Youth Services Bureau's Vision:
The FYSB envisions Porter County to be a community in which ALL KIDS MATTER. In this community adults accept responsibility for, and feel empowered to assist in the healthy development of all youth in their neighborhoods, places of business, schools, and the community at large. As a result of substantive adult involvement, all young people will have opportunities to acquire those assets essential to their successful growth and development. Among those assets are personal resilience, a sense of belonging, a sense of usefulness, personal competence, influence over decisions affecting their lives, the ability to care for and serve others and opportunities to develop their talents and interests.

Highlights

• FYSB began operations in 1972 due in part to the efforts of the League of Women Voters and Porter County Extension Office.

• The agency has grown from a staff of one with a budget of $13,000 to become the county's largest and most comprehensive youth-serving organization with an annual operating budget of over $2 million dollars.

• Currently there are 35 staff members employed by the FYSB.

• FYSB typically serves 2000 – 2500 clients each year at 4 sites in Porter County

• FYSB programs are successful, in part, because staff members work not only with the child, but the entire family, whenever possible.

• FYSB believes that all families have strengths and can make positive changes in their lives.

• At the Family & Youth Services Bureau, “ALL KIDS MATTER.

Family & Youth Services Bureau of Porter County

Administrative Offices
Clinical Services
Outreach Services
253 W. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Telephone:(219) 464-9585
Fax:(219) 462-4159

Healthy Families
Clinical Services
Outreach Services
6469 Central Avenue
Portage, IN 46368
Telephone: (219)763-6623
Fax: (219) 763-0530

The TOT SHOP
Community Organization & Advocacy
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
257 W. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Telephone: (219) 464-9585

Risk Management
1660 South State Road 2
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Telephone: (219) 464-4641