Youth

The second DCYF education outcome goal is that youth are engaged in school. Youth who feel more connected or committed to school are more likely to achieve positive academic outcomes and are less likely to experience mental health issues.

Engagement in school can be measured by the Healthy Youth Survey’s index of engagement in school, which captures information on decision-making opportunities at school, one-on-one opportunities with teachers, opportunities to work on special projects, extracurricular opportunities, and feeling a part of class activities or discussions. 2021 Healthy Youth Survey results show that 70.4% of 10th graders living with parents/guardians report a high level of engagement at school, compared to 61.7% of students who do not live with parents/guardians.

10th Graders with High Levels of School Engagement, by Living Situation, 2021

 

×

10th Graders with High Levels of School Engagement, by Living Situation, 2021

Source: Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, & Liquor and Cannabis Control Board (2021). Healthy Youth Survey [2021]. https://askhys.net
Notes: "Does Not Live with Parents/Guardians" includes students who live with other relatives (kinship care), who are in foster care, or who have other living situations.

Another systems-related measure to track in this area is youth detention rates. As parents and caregivers are more supported to meet the needs of their youth, more youth and adolescents will be able to avoid juvenile detention. Across Washington, the average youth detention rate in 2020 was 5.4 admissions per 1,000 youth ages 12-17.

READ THE 2020 JUVENILE DETENTION REPORT

Youth Detention Rates per 1,000 Youth Age 12-17, by County, 2020

 

×

Youth Detention Rates per 1,000 Youth Age 12-17, by County, 2020

Source: Gilman, A.B., & Sanford, R. (2022) Washington State Juvenile Detention 2020 Annual Report. Olympia, WA: Washington State Center for Court Research, Administrative Office of the Courts.
Notes: Rates were previously reported for ages 10-17, however detention admissions for youth under 12 have become uncommon (0.6% in 2020), so rates are now being reported for the population of youth ages 12-17.

Another indicator of healthy youth-adult relationships is engagement between children and youth and their families. Among the 4,240 10th graders who responded to this question on the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey, 61 percent reported a high level of engagement with their families, including opportunities to discuss problems with parents, chances to have fun with their families, and opportunities to be involved in family decisions. Among 10th graders who live with their parents/guardians, 61.8 percent reported high engagement with their families, compared to 46 percent among youth not living with their parents/guardians.

10th Graders with High Opportunity for Family Engagement, by Living Situation, 2021

 

×

10th Graders with High Opportunity for Family Engagement, by Living Situation, 2021

Source: Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, & Liquor and Cannabis Control Board (2021). Healthy Youth Survey [2021]. https://askhys.net
Notes: "Does Not Live with Parents/Guardians" includes students who live with other relatives (kinship care), who are in foster care, or who have other living situations.