Youth Services Stephens County closing doors

Youth Services for Stephens County has begun the process of shutting down. The board for Youth Services made the decision throughout a series of meetings the month of February in which the budget and funding was reviewed. In light of state budget cuts, funding for the agency has greatly decreased over the past five years, leaving the agency in a place with limited cash flow. Youth Service Board Chair, Joe Henderson said this was not the intention of the board, but with the history of budget cuts and revenue shortfalls at the state level, as well as the additional announcement of a two percent budget cut yesterday to all state agencies, the board did not feel the agency could withstand these additional cuts. "Our board had to make the decision that we can't make it," stated Henderson. "After much heartache and discussion, we felt there was no other option." Youth Services will close its doors Friday, March 2, 2018. Youth Services for Stephens County will be working with the Oklahoma Association for Youth Services and the Office of Juvenile Affairs through the transition to ensure needed services are provided. Further information will be released as it is made available.