Who We Are
Our History
Since our inception in 1979, we have been dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate services to youth in need. From our early days as a successor to Craighead County Youth Home to our current status as a leading provider of community-based prevention and treatment services for juvenile delinquency, our journey has been marked by growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to supporting young people in our community. Join us as we take a look back at our rich history and the milestones that have shaped who we are today.
Consolidated Youth Services, Inc. (CYS) is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The organization was incorporated in March 1979 by the County Judges of Craighead, Poinsett, and Greene Counties as the successor to Craighead County Youth Home. Our mission from the start has been to provide community-based services for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency. In April 1979, CYS took over the operation of the Craighead County youth shelter located at 4220 Stadium Boulevard in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and also began offering outreach treatment services in Craighead, Mississippi, and Poinsett Counties.
By October 1981, CYS had secured a contract with the Division of Youth Services to provide all residential and outreach services. Licensed by the Arkansas Child Welfare Board, we offer emergency shelter and residential care for youth aged 8-18. In March 1996, we partnered with the University of Arkansas Medical Center to develop a joint project for comprehensive residential and outpatient services for adolescent sex offenders in Arkansas. By 1997, CYS was licensed to provide residential sexual rehabilitation services and began contracting with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to offer both residential and outpatient sexual rehabilitation services for clients of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) and the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
In July 1996, the Division of Youth Services awarded CYS a contract to provide all community-based youth services for the 2nd Judicial District (including Craighead, Greene, Poinsett, Mississippi, Crittenden, and Clay Counties) and the 3rd Judicial District (including Randolph, Jackson, Sharp, and Lawrence Counties). We subcontracted with East Arkansas Youth Services to continue the well-established youth services program in Crittenden County.
Today, CYS offers emergency shelter, residential treatment, and community-based outreach services for youth in the 2nd and 3rd Judicial Districts.
We have expanded our residential facilities to include:
- A residential facility for boys, housing up to 20 boys aged 10-18.
- A residential facility for girls, housing up to 11 girls aged 10-18.
- Two group homes for boys in the Sexual Rehabilitation Program, housing up to a total of 22 boys aged 13-18.
In 2019, CYS was awarded accreditation by The Council on Accreditation (COA) for our juvenile justice case management, therapy, A&D counseling, and residential services. This accreditation underscores our commitment to managing resources effectively, offering best practices, and striving for continuous improvement. It supports our sustainability, growth, and achievement of measurable results.
With over 40 years of experience promoting best practice standards, COA is a respected ally in the human and social services field, founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League of America and Family Service America (now the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities).
Mission & Philosophy
Get to know Consolidated Youth Services, Inc. (CYS) better by exploring the core mission and values that guide our work. Learn how our dedication to community-based support and youth empowerment shapes everything we do.
Our Exceptional Team
Get to know the exceptional people driving Consolidated Youth Services, Inc. (CYS). Learn more about the dedicated team members who are committed to empowering youth and making a difference in our community.
