Youth Villages expands behavioral health services for Cumberland County families

The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education meeting on July 8, 2025, featured a presentation from Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth and families in the area. The organization operates from Cumberland County and serves youth aged 4 to 22 with behavioral health diagnoses.

The representative from Youth Villages outlined their approach, which focuses on teaching behavior modification skills such as de-escalation and emotional regulation. These skills are aimed at helping youth thrive in their homes, schools, and communities. The program also involves working directly with parents to address issues that may affect their children's performance in school.

Importantly, the services provided by Youth Villages come at no cost to the school system or families, as they are funded through Medicaid. Despite concerns about potential Medicaid cuts, the representative assured that their program remains secure due to ongoing oversight from Benchmark, a nonprofit organization that monitors services for youth and families.

The program boasts an impressive 83 percent success rate and typically lasts between six to nine months. For youth with more intensive needs, additional support is available through referrals to other agencies. The representative also highlighted a Life Step program for individuals aged 17 to 22, which assists foster care youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system in developing independent living skills. This program includes mentorship and financial support for college-bound youth.

The presentation concluded with a call for collaboration with community partners to enhance the support available for youth in Robeson County, emphasizing the importance of helping them succeed in all aspects of their lives.