FAST highlights family engagement partnership between LINC and Mo. Division of Youth Services

The Missouri Department of Youth Services was recently highlighted by Families and Schools Together (FAST) for its focus on family and community engagement within its treatment paradigm for youth in the state juvenile justice system.

DYS has had a longstanding relationship with LINC, which connected DYS with FAST and its approach bringing parents together to gain and give support to each other. With financial support form the Annie E. Casey Foundation and program support from LINC, DYS has run FAST cycles in 20 schools, serving 179 families across Missouri since 2012.

LINC has offered FAST training through its Caring Communities initiative since 1999.  Since then, LINC has implemented FAST in 20 schools across Kansas City, graduating 386 families. 

The profile of the partnership includes interviews with state agency leaders, including DYS Director Phyllis Becker and Missouri Children's Division Director Tim Decker, as well as LINC staff.